The Ant and the Grasshopper

There was once an ant and a grasshopper who shared a home in a field of tall grass and colorful wildflowers. The ant worked tirelessly, gathering food and storing it away for the winter. On the other hand, the grasshopper was a carefree creature that enjoyed singing and playing throughout the day.

The grasshopper observed the ant diligently collecting seeds on a hot summer day and storing them in a little underground chamber. Smiling, the grasshopper declared, "Just what is the use of all your effort, Ant? The weather is sunny and pleasant. Instead than talking, let's go play!"

However, the ant persisted in her labors, declaring, "I have to stock up on supplies for the coming cold season. When the winter arrives, if I don't have food, I'll freeze to death."

The grasshopper shrugged and kept right on singing and playing, unconcerned with what may happen next.

The grasshopper had nothing to eat and nowhere to go when the summer turned to fall and the temperature dropped. He beseeched the ant for aid, but the ant just replied, "I warned you about the impending cold season. The time has come for you to face the results of your behavior."

The lesson to be drawn from this anecdote is that it pays to put in the effort and make preparations for the future even when times are good.