Autumn arrived, and the wheat ripened, turning the fields golden. As the wind swept through, the wheat waves rolled like the sea. A flock of sparrows flew over, hopping and pecking for food in the fields. Just then, an old sparrow spotted four familiar figures—his four children! They had grown up, their feathers fully grown, no longer the soft little birds they once were.
The old sparrow was so overcome with emotion he nearly lost his balance. He hurried over, calling out, “My children! It really is you!” The four young sparrows recognized their father and chirped excitedly around him. Watching them, the father felt both joy and sorrow.He was happy that his children were all safe and sound, but saddened that when they first learned to fly, he hadn’t had time to properly teach them how to avoid danger before a gust of wind swept them away.
He led his children back to their little nest, preening his feathers as he said, “Oh, you little rascals, I worried myself sick all summer long. Flying around without listening to your father—it’s not safe out there!Now that you’re back, tell me everything. Where did you go? What did you eat? Did you encounter any danger?“
Eldest Son: Learned to Read People’s Faces in the Merchant’s Garden
Father asked the eldest first, ”Where did you go? How did you fare?“
The eldest son replied, ”I stayed in a large garden.There were trees and flowers, and on the ground, caterpillars and earthworms. I hunted for them every day. Later, when the cherries ripened, I ate those.“
Father nodded. ”Gardens are nice, but they can be dangerous. You must be especially careful around people walking around with long poles. The poles are hollow with a small hole at the top. They look like branches, but they’re actually tools people use to catch birds.”
The eldest son laughed. “Dad, I know! I even saw someone stick a green leaf over that little hole, making it look just like a real tree leaf.”
His father froze. “Where did you see that?”
“In the merchant’s garden.”
Dad sighed. “Merchants are sharp. Surviving in a place like that means you’ve learned to be cautious and observant. Remember, don’t let your cleverness make you careless. The places that seem safest often hide the greatest dangers.”
Second Son: Learning to Dodge Traps in the Palace
Dad asked the second son, “And you? Where did you go this summer?”
“I was in the royal palace,” the second son said. “It sparkled with gold, beautiful fabrics, armor, and swords. But that place isn’t for little sparrows like us. Sparrowhawks, owls, and blue-footed owls all prowled there, hunting small birds like us.”
“How did you survive?” Dad asked.
“I hid in the stables. When the grooms threshed oats and grain, they’d scatter some seeds. I’d sneak in and eat a little.”
Just as Dad nodded, the second son added, “But the stables weren’t safe either. Someone hid snares in the straw. One step on them and you’d be hoisted up—many birds died there.”
“Did you see that yourself?” Dad asked.
“Yeah, I hung out with the stablehand’s kids.”
Dad patted his wing. “Surviving in a place like that was no easy feat. The palace is full of people with all sorts of motives. Making it out unscathed means you’ve learned how to protect yourself. But remember, even the smartest dog can get eaten by a wolf. So don’t get too cocky—always keep your eyes open.”
Third Son: Learning to Guard Against Humans on the Road
It was the third son’s turn. Father asked, “Where did you go?”
“I stayed along roadsides and country lanes. When I saw people threshing grain, I gathered the fallen kernels. When I spotted buckets and ropes, I waited nearby—sometimes I could snatch a mouthful.”
Father said, “That’s a good strategy, but be wary of people by the roadside. If someone bends down to pick up a stone, you must fly away immediately—they might throw it at you.”
The third son nodded. “I know. I’ve also seen people hiding stones in their clothes or pockets, ready to throw them at any moment.”
“Where did you see that?” Father asked.
“The miners always do that when they go out. They carry small stones for protection.”
Father nodded. “Miners are worldly people. You’ve been with them, so you’ve learned to be cautious too. Remember, the road looks simple but is actually the most dangerous. Mountain children can catch birds with little traps. You must stay alert at all times.”
The Youngest Son: Finding Peace in the Church
Finally, Dad looked at his youngest son with a pained expression. “You’ve always been the weakest, the slowest to fly, with the softest call. Out there, it’s so dangerous. You must have suffered a lot. From now on, stay close to me. Don’t wander off.”
But the youngest son smiled. “Dad, the day the wind blew me away, I fell into a church. I spent the whole summer there. The windows were high—cats couldn’t get in, and hawks couldn’t fly through.I ate flies and caught spiders. Life was good.“
Father was astonished: ”A church? How did you survive?“
”Every day, people spoke words I didn’t quite understand, but they felt comforting. Each morning and evening, I stood on the windowsill and called out to the sky, as if talking. I felt God was watching over me.”
Dad was silent for a moment, then said, “Son, if you find a place that gives you peace, are willing to help out, and trust in a power greater than yourself, then you’re safer than anyone. Even if the world outside is full of fierce birds, you’ll survive.”
The Truth Behind the Story
On the surface, this tale recounts a sparrow family’s reunion, yet it uses animal allegory to reflect human existence. The four chicks represent distinct survival strategies: observation, cunning, vigilance, and faith. The author doesn’t declare which is best, but the youngest chick—having found inner peace and reliance—ultimately thrives most securely.
This isn’t urging everyone to go to church, but rather saying: If a person can find a way to feel secure—whether through wisdom, experience, or conviction—they can stand firm in a chaotic world.
What Lesson Does This Story Teach Us?
This story teaches us: The world is complex, dangers lurk everywhere, but everyone can find a way of life that suits them.
Some rely on cleverness, some on caution, some on experience, and others on inner conviction.
Most crucially: don’t blindly imitate others. Understand yourself—know your weaknesses and strengths.
If you can find your own safe haven amid chaos, work diligently, and maintain kindness, you won’t be easily defeated.
Like that little sparrow—though the weakest, it discovered its own secure corner. That is true wisdom.
