TITLE: The Wise Little Squirrel and the Old Oak Tree

STORY

In a lush green forest, there lived a young squirrel named Nutkin. He was known for his boundless energy and mischievous nature. Nutkin loved to scamper around the forest, collecting acorns and playing with his friends.

One day, Nutkin came across an ancient oak tree. Its branches were gnarled and twisted, and its bark was wrinkled with age. At the base of the tree sat Old Oakley, a wise old owl.

“Hello there, young one,” hooted Old Oakley. “Would you like to hear a story?”

Nutkin, always in a hurry, replied, “No thanks, Mr. Owl. I’m too busy for old stories!”

As Nutkin started to scurry away, he heard a creak and a groan. Looking up, he saw a heavy branch about to fall right on top of him! Just then, Old Oakley swooped down and pushed Nutkin out of harm’s way.

“Wow! Thank you, Mr. Owl!” exclaimed Nutkin, his heart racing. “How did you know that was going to happen?”

Old Oakley smiled gently. “When you’ve lived as long as I have, you learn to listen to the forest. The old oak was trying to warn you, but you were too busy to notice.”

Nutkin felt ashamed. “I’m sorry I didn’t want to listen to your story earlier. I thought because you were old, you wouldn’t have anything interesting to say.”

“That’s okay, little one,” Old Oakley replied. “We all make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them.”

From that day on, Nutkin made sure to spend time with Old Oakley, listening to his stories and learning from his wisdom. He discovered that the owl’s tales were full of exciting adventures and valuable lessons.

Nutkin learned that respecting elders wasn’t just about being polite – it was about valuing their experience and the important things they could teach. And as he grew older, Nutkin became known as one of the wisest squirrels in the forest, always ready to share what he had learned with the younger animals.

VERSES

Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 NLT

Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:32 NLT

QUESTIONS

1. Why did Nutkin not want to listen to Old Oakley at first?
2. What did Nutkin learn about respecting elders?

PRAYER

Dear God, thank you for giving us older people in our lives who can teach us important things. Help us to be respectful and to listen to their wisdom. Please give us patience and kindness when we talk to our elders. In Jesus’ name, amen.