In a vibrant meadow, there lived a young hare, whose heart was set on winning the Great Meadow Race, a contest he believed was his destiny to claim above all others.

The prize, a golden carrot, was the finest of carrots, and Hare wanted it now, convinced his speed made him more deserving than any creature. As the race day neared, Hare met Sparrow, who was flitting about, marking the course. “Sparrow,” Hare demanded, “move the race to today! I’m ready, and that carrot is mine!”

Sparrow chirped softly, “Patience, Hare. The race is set for the full moon, when the path will made clear. Wait for the right moment.” Hare twitched his nose, impatient, and hopped away.

Next, he found Badger, who was slowly smoothing the track’s dirt and moving obstacles. “Badger, why wait? Start the race this instant! My victory matters most!”

Badger shook his head. “The ground needs time to settle, Hare. Be patient, or the way will be treacherous.” But Hare flicked his ears, ignoring the warning, and bounded off.

At the meadow’s edge, he spotted Frog, testing the stream crossing. “Frog, I must race now! That carrot belongs to me!”

Frog croaked wisely, “The stream is too wild today. Wait for calmer waters before crossing Hare, or you’ll regret it.” Hare’s legs quivered with urgency, and he refused to heed the warning.

Not willing to listen to the advice of Others, Hare decided to run the course alone that very day, proving he needed no one’s permission and that he was quite capable of overcoming any obstacles placed in his path. He raced quickly across the meadow, leaping ruts and dodging stones, his mind fixed only on the golden carrot that he saw himself proudly claiming at the finish.

But the route was not yet fully cleared, just as Sparrow has said, the path was still uneven, just as Badger had warned, and the stream roared high and swift, as Frog had feared. But Hare didn’t slow down, his intent was only on his speed to complete the course in the fastest time.

To cross the Stream, he plunged into the water, certain that his speed would carry him through to the other side. But, the current was merciless. It swept Hare under, tumbling him against sharp rocks. His strength faded, his lungs gave up the last breath, and the fast moving cold water claimed him.

The golden carrot remained unclaimed, glinting under the sun he’d never see again.

Moral: Rushing to seize what we crave above all can lead to disaster; patience brings the prize when the time is right.
All is given in Divine Timing.