The Big Hippo and the Little Frog

In a calm, quiet river lived a giant hippo and a tiny frog. To the frog, the hippo was a source of constant wonder. "How did this hippo get such a magnificent, giant body?" the frog would often wonder, staring in awe from the water.

One day, plucking up enough courage, the frog finally asked, "Hippo, how did you get to be so wonderfully big?"

Hearing this, the hippo let out a deep, hearty laugh. He looked kindly at his little friend and said, "Me being a hippo and you being a frog is something completely beyond our control. It is a secret known only to God. But for now, there is one important thing you should understand: each of us has our own unique gifts."

The hippo nodded toward a patch of lily pads floating nearby and continued, "Look at those lily pads. Even though I have this massive body, I could never sit on top of one. If I tried, it would sink instantly! But you can hop onto them so easily. And I could never leap high into the air with a grand frog-jump like you do, either."

"So, be content with the beautiful gifts you have, and give thanks for them," the hippo concluded.

The frog realized just how true the hippo's words were. All his worries about being small vanished, and his heart filled with joy.

Unable to contain his happiness, the frog took a grand leap and landed right on top of the hippo’s broad back. Sitting comfortably, he began to sing a cheerful song of gratitude at the top of his lungs, while the hippo smiled and gently drifted through the water, enjoying the melody.**