The Milkmaid and Her Pail

One morning, a milkmaid filled a big pail with fresh milk from her cow, balanced it on top of her head, and set off cheerfully down the path toward the village market.

As she walked, she began to daydream. "Once I sell this milk, I'll buy some eggs and hatch them into a whole yard full of chicks!" She smiled wide, picturing fluffy yellow chicks running all around her yard.

She dreamed on. "And once the chicks grow up and sell for more money, I'll buy a beautiful dress for the festival — everyone will turn to look at me!" She walked faster, swaying happily and forgetting to watch her step.

"I'll swish my skirt and walk right past everyone, just like this!" she said, tossing her head proudly. But just then, her foot caught on a stone in the path and she stumbled off balance.

The pail crashed to the ground with a splash, and all the white milk spilled across the path. In an instant, the chicks and the beautiful dress vanished along with every last drop of milk. She sighed, then smiled a little, telling herself she'd be more careful next time.

Don't dream so far ahead that you forget to take care of what's right in front of you — being careful matters more than floating away in daydreams.