The Little Boy and the Farmer’s Donkey: A Story About a Light Heart

The Power of a Light Heart

The Power of a Light Heart: A Story of a Little Boy and a Farmer


Once upon a time, there was a little boy named Tom. Tom loved to play outside every day. He had a small red ball that he liked to throw, catch, and roll in the grass. One sunny morning, Tom ran out into the big green fields near his home.

He threw his ball high into the air. “Catch it!” he shouted to himself as he ran. The ball bounced and rolled across the soft grass. As Tom chased it, he saw a farmer standing near a brown donkey. The donkey was very still, and it looked tired.

Tom ran closer. “Hello, sir! Why is your donkey not moving?” Tom asked politely.

The farmer sighed. “Oh, hello, little boy. My donkey is carrying a very heavy load. I have tried everything, but he just will not move. I don’t know what to do.”

Tom looked at the donkey. He saw that it was carrying a big basket full of hay and vegetables. He thought for a moment and then said, “Maybe I can help you, sir. Why don’t you let me carry some of the load?”

The farmer was surprised. “Carry it? You are just a little boy. How can you carry a heavy load like this?”

Tom smiled. “I may be small, but I have a light heart. I think I can do it.”

The farmer was curious but decided to try. He moved some of the hay and vegetables from the donkey’s back onto Tom’s small shoulders. At first, Tom felt a little wobbly. The load was big for him, and he had to bend his knees carefully.

“Whoa! It is heavy!” Tom said, but he didn’t give up. He walked slowly, taking small steps.

The farmer watched in amazement. “You are very strong for such a small boy. How do you do it?”

Tom laughed softly. “I told you, sir. My heart is light. When your heart is light, your body can do many things.”

The farmer thought about this. He had been carrying a heavy burden in his heart for many years. He worried about money, his farm, and the problems of life. He had never thought that a light heart could make life easier.

Tom walked a few more steps and then put the load down gently. “See, sir? You don’t always need muscles to carry heavy things. Sometimes, a light heart is stronger than strong arms.”

The farmer smiled. “You are right, little boy. I have been carrying so many worries that I forgot how to be happy. Thank you for helping me and for teaching me this lesson.”

Tom nodded. “It is okay, sir. Everyone can be strong if they keep their hearts light.”

The farmer picked up the rest of the donkey’s load. This time, he felt lighter than before. He realized that he didn’t need to worry so much. He could face his work with a smile and enjoy the simple things in life.

“Tom,” the farmer said, “I will never forget what you taught me. I will try to have a light heart every day.”

Tom smiled and waved. “I am glad, sir! Now, I have to go back to my game.” He ran back to his red ball, threw it high in the air, and caught it. “Yay! I love playing!” he shouted happily.

As Tom played, he thought about the farmer and the donkey. He felt happy because he had made a difference. He realized that small acts of kindness can help others in big ways. Even a little boy can teach important lessons to grown-ups.

The farmer returned to his donkey with a lighter heart. He laughed as he helped the donkey carry the rest of the load. The farmer felt happy and peaceful. He remembered Tom’s words, “A light heart is stronger than heavy muscles.”

From that day on, the farmer tried to let go of his worries. Whenever he felt sad or tired, he remembered the little boy and smiled. Life on the farm became easier, and he felt joy in simple things like the sunshine, the animals, and his work.

Tom, on the other hand, continued to play in the fields every day. He threw his red ball, ran, laughed, and shared happiness with everyone he met. Sometimes, other children would join him, and he would share the lesson he had learned:

“Always keep your heart light,” he would say. “When your heart is happy, you can do anything!”

The story of Tom and the farmer teaches us an important lesson: strength is not only in your muscles but in your heart.When you carry a heavy burden in your heart, life feels difficult. But if you choose to let go of worries and live with a light heart, you can find happiness and help others too.

So remember, children, just like Tom, you can make a big difference. Being kind, helpful, and cheerful is stronger than being big and strong. A small boy with a red ball showed a farmer the secret to life: happiness comes from a light heart.

Next time you feel worried or tired, think of Tom and the farmer. Smile, take a deep breath, and remember that your heart can carry more than your body. With a light heart, you can do amazing things every day.

And Tom? He kept playing, kept laughing, and kept making the world a happier place, one small act of kindness at a time.

THE END

Comprehension Questions

1. Who is the main character in the story?
Answer: The main character is Tom, the little boy who plays with a red ball.

2. What was Tom doing when he saw the farmer and the donkey?
Answer: Tom was playing in the field with his red ball, throwing and catching it.

3. Why was the donkey not moving?
Answer: The donkey was carrying a heavy load and was too tired to move.

4. What did Tom suggest to help the farmer?
Answer: Tom suggested that he could carry some of the donkey’s load to help the farmer.

5. How did Tom manage to carry the heavy load even though he was small?
Answer: Tom said he could carry it because he had a light heart, meaning he was happy and not worried.

Discussion Questions

6. What does it mean to have a “light heart”?
Answer: A light heart means feeling happy, not worried, and thinking positively. It helps you do things that might seem hard.

7. How did Tom’s action help the farmer?
Answer: Tom helped the farmer realize that he had been carrying too many worries in his heart. After Tom helped, the farmer felt lighter and happier.

8. Why did the farmer feel heavy in his heart before meeting Tom?
Answer: The farmer was worried about his farm, his donkey, and life problems. These worries made him feel sad and tired.

9. Can you think of a time when you felt worried? How did you feel better?
Answer: (Open-ended for children to reflect on their feelings; adults can guide them to relate it to a “light heart” by sharing, playing, or asking for help.)

10. What lesson can we learn from this story?
Answer: We can learn that being kind and having a happy, light heart is very important. It can help us do difficult things and make others happy too.

Critical Thinking Questions

11. Why do you think the story says that inner strength is important?
Answer: Because sometimes happiness and positivity can help us do things that are too hard for just our body.

12. How would the farmer’s life change if he did not let go of his worries?
Answer: He would feel heavy, sad, and tired. He might find it hard to enjoy life or help others.

13. Do you think Tom learned anything from helping the farmer? What?
Answer: Yes, Tom learned that being kind and helpful can make a difference in someone’s life.

14. How can you have a light heart in your daily life?
Answer: By being happy, not worrying too much, helping others, and enjoying small things like playing and smiling.

15. What small acts of kindness can you do like Tom?
Answer: Helping friends, sharing toys, saying kind words, helping at home, or encouraging someone who is sad.

Fun Activity Questions

16. Can you act like Tom and pretend to carry a “heavy load”? How does it feel when your heart is light?
Answer: (Children can act it out; they will see it’s easier when they smile or think happy thoughts.)

17. If you were the farmer, how would you thank Tom?
Answer: You could say thank you, smile, help someone else, or share something nice.

18. Draw a picture of Tom helping the farmer and the donkey. How does everyone feel in your picture?
Answer: (Encourages creativity and emotional understanding.)

19. Can you think of a story from your own life where someone helped you or you helped someone?
Answer: (Children can share personal experiences, reinforcing empathy and kindness.)

20. Why is it important to help others even if we are small or young?
Answer: Because even small acts of kindness can make a big difference and make others feel happy.

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