The River and the Mountain: A Journey of Resilience

In the heart of a peaceful valley, nestled between towering mountains, there flowed a small river named Pendo. Pendo was young and lively, always moving forward with an unshakable determination. Every day, it gently kissed the pebbles along its path, carried leaves, and watered the roots of the trees that lined its banks. No matter how tired or heavy it felt, Pendo always continued its journey, knowing that it was needed.

One day, the river encountered something it had never seen before—a vast mountain stood blocking its path. Towering, majestic, and immovable, the mountain looked down at Pendo, casting a shadow over its sparkling waters.

“You cannot pass through me, little river,” the mountain said firmly. “I am strong, solid, and have stood here for centuries. You are but a small, fragile stream. Turn back and find another way.”

But Pendo, though tired from its journey, was not disheartened. With a calm smile, it replied, “I may be small, but I carry the strength of the earth, and the persistence of time. I do not need to go around or over you. I will carve a path through you.”

The mountain laughed, its deep voice echoing across the valley. “No river can carve through stone! It will take you lifetimes to pass me.”

Pendo paused and reflected, feeling the weight of the day upon it, but it knew that stopping was not an option. “Then so be it,” said Pendo. “Even if it takes a thousand years, I will flow and flow until I find my way through.”

And so, day after day, year after year, Pendo continued its journey. It was slow, patient, but relentless. Sometimes, it was only a few drops that touched the hard stone, but with every drop, the mountain began to change. The water’s gentle persistence wore down the rock, carving a smooth path through it. With time, the river began to flow freely once again, through the heart of the mountain, more powerful and radiant than ever before.

The mountain, in awe of the river’s quiet strength, whispered, “You have proven me wrong, little river. You are stronger than I imagined. You have shown me that even the gentlest of forces, when determined, can break through the toughest of obstacles.”

And Pendo, with its waters flowing peacefully and purposefully, replied, “True strength does not come from force or size, but from persistence, resilience, and never giving up.”

Reflection:

As you listen to the story of Pendo, remember that life, like the river, will present you with mountains—obstacles that seem insurmountable and days that feel long and exhausting. But just as Pendo did not retreat, neither should you. Each small step you take, each moment you press on, is another drop wearing down the challenges you face.

You are strong, not because you never tire, but because you never stop. No matter how hard today may have been, tomorrow brings new strength, new hope, and the flow of life continues.

Let this story be a reminder that with calmness and perseverance, you will carve your way through every mountain that stands in your path.

#tales_of_long’iro