In a peaceful pond known as The Serene Lake, there lived a young turtle named Timmy. Timmy was known far and wide for his gentle disposition and vibrant green shell. Every creature in and around the pond adored him. However, Timmy was also known for something less admirable—his utter laziness. Instead of exploring his beautiful surroundings like his friends, Timmy preferred to lounge on his favorite rock by the water, basking in the warm sun.
As the days passed pleasantly by for Timmy, his friends began to worry. Soon it would be time for the annual race that all the animals of the lake eagerly anticipated. His wise old friend Ollie the Owl often urged him to practice, saying, “Timmy, you should prepare for the race. It means a lot to all of us.” But Timmy would only reply, “Oh, I have plenty of time. Today is such a lovely day—I’m going to take a nap!”
When the day of the race finally dawned, all of Timmy’s friends were up bright and early, stretching their limbs and practicing hard. Upon noticing Timmy still snoozing on his rock, Ollie shook his head in dismay. “Oh, Timmy, you must wake up! It’s time for the race!” Little did Timmy realize it was already noon. Frantically, he jumped up in surprise and said, “But the race doesn’t start until sunset!”
“You should have practiced,” Ollie wisely noted as Timmy hurriedly prepared. Unfortunately, Timmy had spent far too much time in slumber, and setting off now would only mean certain failure.
As the race began, Timmy waddled as fast as he could. He soon found himself way behind the other animals, who had been sprinting for nearly an hour. Frightened, but unwilling to give up, he decided he would run his fastest and, with a bit of luck, win the race. Sadly, by the time he neared the finish line, it was clear he would never catch up to any of his friends.
Finally, in great humiliation, Timmy arrived at the lake in time to see his friends, all happy and jubilant, sipping cool water after their exhausting race. A chorus of cheerful voices greeted him, “Where have you been, Timmy?”
His slow reply came with a heavy heart, “I slept too long… I didn’t practice.” Then, after a pause, he added, “I guess I now understand what hard work means. It is the secret to achievement.”
From that day forth, Timmy worked hard, practiced diligently, and constantly reminded his friends that the race of life is not always won by the swift but often by those who work hard and persevere.