Lesson from a Terrapin

There was a boy who found a terrapin, more commonly known as a turtle.

He started to examine it but the turtle pulled in its head and closed its shell like a vice. The boy was upset and he picked up a stick to try to pry it open.

The boy's uncle saw all this and remarked, No, that's not the way! In fact, you may kill the turtle but you'll not get it to open up with a stick.

The uncle took the terrapin into the house and set it near the fireplace. It wasn't but a few minutes until it began to get warm. Then the turtle pushed out its head, then stretched out its legs and began to crawl.

Turtles are like that, said the uncle, and people, too. You can't force them into anything. But if you first warm them up with some real kindness, more than likely, they will do what you want them to do.

This story is originally from Disciple Magazine.

The author of this spiritual story is unknown and greatly appreciated. If you know who wrote this, or can provide a source that I can cite then please contact me and let me know!

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