Stone Soup

Three travelers had walked for many days and were hungry and tired. When they reached a small village one evening, they knocked on doors asking to share a meal. But every villager kept their food close and would not share a bite with anyone.

The travelers were not discouraged. They smiled and called out to the villagers, "Well then, we'll just make stone soup for everyone — the most delicious soup in the world!" They lit a fire in the village square, set up a huge pot, filled it with water, and carefully dropped in a smooth, shiny round stone.

Villagers who passed by grew curious and came to watch. One traveler tasted the soup and nodded happily. "This is already delicious," he said, "but it would be even better with a carrot or two." An old woman who heard this hurried home and returned with fresh carrots for the pot.

One by one, the villagers hurried home and came back with something to add to the pot — some brought onions, some brought potatoes, some brought chicken and salt. "Just a little more of this," each one said, "and the soup will be even tastier!" Soon the stone soup was full of colorful vegetables and meat, filling the whole village with a warm, delicious smell.

When the soup was ready, the whole village sat down together to enjoy the warm, delicious meal. They laughed and chatted like one big happy family. Before the travelers left, they said, "One little stone can't do much on its own, but when everyone shares just a little, it becomes a big pot of soup that fills the whole village."

When everyone shares just a little, small things can grow into a big feast that fills every heart and every belly.