Useful Wood
There once lived a farmer who was very old and could no longer work on the fields. Most of his days were spent sitting or sleeping at home while his son toiled.
"The old man does nothing! He is of no use at all!" thought the son grumpily. Over time, the annoyance grew to anger, making the son frustrated.
One day, the son built a wooden coffin and dragged it to a porch where his father was lying down. He rudely shook his father awake and pointing to the coffin, he ordered, "Get in!"
The old man said not a word. He got up and lay down inside the coffin. The son closed the lid and hauled the box to the edge of a high cliff. Just then, he heard a light tapping sound from inside the box. He opened the lid.
The old man looked up at his son and said, "I know what you want to do. But let me give you a word of advice before I go. Throw me over the cliff if you like. But preserve this coffin."
"Why?" asked his son, surprised.
"It is a good wooden coffin. Your children may need to use it for the same purpose when you grow old."
