The Obstacle on the Road

Описание: The Obstacle in the Road
In a peaceful ancient kingdom, life moved along familiar paths. Merchants traveled the dusty roads with their goods, courtiers rode proudly on fine horses, and ordinary people carried out their daily routines. Everything seemed normal, until one morning a massive boulder appeared in the middle of the busiest road to the capital.
Hidden nearby, the King watched silently. He had placed the stone there himself, not as a punishment, but as a test. He wanted to see how his people would react when faced with a simple problem.
As the day began, wealthy merchants arrived first. Dressed in fine clothes and riding decorated wagons, they stopped when they saw the boulder. Instead of working together to remove it, they complained loudly about the King and the state of the roads. One by one, they steered around the obstacle and continued their journey, leaving the problem behind.
Next came the royal courtiers, proud and elegant. They too noticed the stone, shook their heads in disapproval, and rode around it without making any effort to move it. More travelers passed, farmers, soldiers, and traders. Each one saw the boulder. Each one complained. But no one took responsibility.
Then, later in the day, a humble peasant approached the road carrying a heavy sack of vegetables. His clothes were worn, and his steps were slow from the weight on his shoulders. When he saw the boulder, he paused. Instead of complaining, he thought about the trouble it would cause others.
Quietly, he set down his load and tried to push the stone. It was heavy, and it didn’t move at first. His muscles strained, sweat formed on his face, and his hands trembled from the effort. But he refused to give up. With determination and persistence, he pushed again and again, until finally the boulder rolled off the road.
Exhausted but satisfied, he returned to pick up his vegetables. That was when he noticed a leather purse lying where the stone had been. Curious, he opened it and found it filled with gold coins, more money than he had ever seen in his life. Inside was a note from the King, explaining that the reward was meant for the person who removed the obstacle from the road.
From his hiding place, the King smiled. All day, people had complained about the problem, but only one person had chosen to solve it.
This simple story carries a powerful message. In life, obstacles are not always there to stop us. Sometimes, they are placed in our path to test our character, reveal our strength, and reward our willingness to take action. While many people choose to complain or avoid responsibility, those who step forward and solve problems often discover unexpected opportunities waiting for them.
It is a reminder that progress does not come from complaints, it comes from courage, effort, and a heart willing to make a difference.