Faith & Life

A Small Tree’s Misjudgment

Next to a tall tree with thick, lush leaves stood a small tree with sparse foliage. The small tree believed it wasn’t growing well because of the large tree beside it. "That big tree is blocking all the sunlight." "If only that tree weren’t here, I could grow tall, too." "I’m suffering because of that tree!" One day, a woodcutter passed by, spotted the tall tree, and decided it would make good timber. He cut it down and carried it away. The small tree rejoiced, certain that it could now grow tall and strong. But before long, the small tree withered and collapsed. It had been too weak to endure the harsh sunlight and strong winds on its own. In…

Even the Smallest Things

“A small ray of sunlight can shine through a tiny hole. It’s not the large boulders, but the small pebbles that people trip over.” British author Arthur Conan Doyle reminded us of the importance of small things. Indeed, what we overlook can sometimes lead to unexpected trouble down the road. At the same time, even the smallest act may hold the key to solving a problem. To guard against misfortune that creeps in unnoticed—and to steadily build a life filled with opportunities and blessings—we must learn to value the little things and care for them with intention.

Why Humanity Was Able to Reach the Moon for the First Time

The first spacecraft to land on the Moon often veered off its intended course on the way there. Yet it was still able to arrive safely on the Moon because its target was constantly kept in sight. Neil Armstrong, captain of Apollo 11, said: “Whenever the spacecraft strayed even slightly off course, we immediately made corrections. Each time we veered off, we corrected it again and again. Thanks to that, we were able to safely reach our destination, the Moon.”

Just Start

Todmorden, a town in West Yorkshire, England, was once a center of the textile industry. But its factories had long since shut down, and unemployment was high. By 2008, the global financial crisis had left the town's economy seemingly beyond recovery. In response, a few residents came together to find a way to revive their town. Realizing that people especially need food in hard times, they began by planting vegetables on unused land. During harvest time, they hung signs that read, “Please help yourself.” The effect was profound. The kindness of sharing food spread throughout the community, and the town came back to life. Encouraged by the positive power of planting vegetables, more citizens joined in. This became the start…

A Son to Be Proud Of

During World War II, Dwight David Eisenhower served as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. He played a key role in bringing the war to an end with the success of the Normandy landings, earning him national hero status. Around that time, a reporter asked his mother, “You must be proud to have such a remarkable son.” She replied, “Which son are you talking about?” It was only after the reporter mentioned Eisenhower’s name that she realized which of her sons he meant. Eisenhower was the third of seven brothers. Despite their humble life, his parents loved all their children equally and raised them to become upright individuals. Even though Eisenhower had become someone widely recognized and…

The Man Who Gained Freedom

There was once a man sentenced by the court to 13 years in prison—yet he never spent a single day behind bars. In fact, he was ultimately exempted from serving his sentence, thanks to the petitions of countless supporters. But how could that be? Cornelius Mike Anderson, a man living in the United States, was convicted in his twenties for participating in a robbery and was sentenced to prison. After losing his appeal, he waited to be taken into custody. But as time went on, the authorities failed to carry out his incarceration. Instead of fleeing or hiding, Anderson chose to turn his life around. He started a small business, raised a loving family, and became a model citizen. Thirteen…

Home: Where I Can Be My True Self

The French writer André Maurois once said that home is “the only place where we can show ourselves just as we are.” At one time or another, we all find ourselves hiding our true feelings or wearing a mask in front of others. After such exhausting moments, our heavy steps feel lighter as we approach home—because waiting for us is family, the ones with whom we can be fully ourselves, free from pretense. Home is a precious place, given to us as a refuge where love soothes our weary hearts and tired bodies, and where we regain the strength to face another day.

Why Ducks Swim in a Line

Have you ever seen a family of ducks swimming in a river or lake? When the mother duck swims at the front, the ducklings line up and follow behind her. While it may look like they’re simply following her in an orderly fashion, there’s actually a scientific reason behind it. A team of researchers from the U.S. and the U.K. published a paper explaining how the waves created by the mother duck affect the ducklings swimming behind her. The water pressure a duck experiences differs between calm and wavy conditions. When ducklings follow the mother in a line, the resistance they face decreases compared with when swimming in still water, allowing them to move forward with greater ease. The waves…

When the Cup Is Full

A newly appointed county magistrate arrived in a village. Having passed the state exam with top honors at a young age, he was proud of his achievements and sought out the village’s most respected elder. “What do you believe is the most important virtue in governing this village?” the magistrate asked. The elder replied simply, “To avoid evil and do good as much as possible.” The magistrate frowned. “Even a child knows that! Are you making light of me?” The elder, calm and composed, said nothing. Instead, he offered the magistrate a cup of tea. As he poured, the tea reached the brim—but he kept pouring. It spilled over the edges and onto the floor. “Sir, the cup is full!…

Wise Persuasion

Richard Feynman, the genius physicist often mentioned alongside Einstein as one of the greatest minds of the 20th century, was also known for his eccentric personality. In 1965, he was selected to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking work in redefining quantum mechanics. However, he almost refused the prize simply because he found the idea of traveling to Sweden too bothersome. His wife, realizing his stubbornness, came up with a clever way to persuade him. “Honey, who would ever turn down such a prestigious award just because it’s inconvenient?” “But if I go, I’ll have to meet so many people, do interviews . . . just thinking about it wears me out. I’d rather spend that time…

Good Soil

For a seed to grow and bear abundant fruit, it must fall on good soil. Since a seed cannot move once it has taken root, the type of soil it is planted in is crucial to its growth. So what exactly makes soil good for plants? The quality of soil is determined by its properties. Good soil is well-drained and breathable, allowing water and oxygen to flow freely. It is also rich in microorganisms. These microorganisms—similar to the gut bacteria that support our immune system—constantly break down the remains of plants and animals, supplying nutrients to growing plants and helping prevent pests and disease. The very structure of soil that allows for drainage and aeration is shaped by the activity…

As Long as You Don’t Lose Your Balance

Jultagi, or tightrope walking, is a Korean intangible cultural heritage in which performers walk across a rope suspended in midair while showcasing acrobatics, dance, and even song. The rope they walk on is just 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) thick. The only tool used for balance is a simple fan held in one hand. As the tightrope walker sways on the rope, it often looks as if they might fall at any moment, making the audience hold their breath in suspense. Yet the performer continues forward, step by step—sometimes crouching and rising again using the rope’s rebound, or even leaping into the air with incredible precision. What allows the performer to move so freely on such a precarious rope is this:…

A Good Person

Merchant of Death Dies This was the headline in a French newspaper in 1888, reporting the death of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite. The article, however, was a mistake. The person who had actually passed away was Nobel’s brother, Ludvig Nobel. Still alive, Alfred Nobel was shocked to read his own obituary in the newspaper. What unsettled him even more was being labeled a “merchant of death.” It forced him to confront how the world saw him. This incident is said to have prompted Nobel, shaken by the realization, to establish the Nobel Prizes. There’s a saying that how a person lived becomes most evident after they’ve passed away. But even before death, we can get a glimpse…

How Plantago asiatica Lives

Plantago asiatica is a common wild plant you often see growing by roadsides or mountain paths. Because it lives along paths, it's constantly stepped on or run over by feet and wheels. Yet, this harsh environment actually works in its favor when it comes to survival and reproduction. Most leaves are soft and tear easily under pressure, but plantago asiatica’s leaves are reinforced with tough fibers that keep them from ripping, even when trampled. What’s more, when crushed, the plant springs back up with resilience—and cleverly turns being stepped on to its advantage. It attaches its seeds to passersby—whether the feet of people and animals or the tires of vehicles—so they can be carried far and wide. Unfazed by its…

Sincerity Speaks

On December 7, 1970, at the National Cemetery in Warsaw, Poland, West German Chancellor Willy Brandt stood solemnly before a memorial dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Nazi regime during World War II. After laying a wreath, he suddenly dropped to his knees on the cold concrete ground and bowed his head in silent tribute. Photographers at the scene rapidly clicked their shutters, and the powerful image spread across the world. Witnessing Brandt’s sincere apology and remorse, many Europeans who had harbored resentment toward Germany began to open their hearts. The global press described the moment with these words: “It was one man who knelt, but an entire nation that stood up.” Sincerity has the power to reach hearts—no…

Why He Called the Chef

Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of a world-renowned company, often dined with his employees at the company cafeteria. One day, the lunch menu featured beef steak. While most of the employees were enjoying their meals, Chairman Matsushita barely touched his food. After the meal, he called his assistant over and said, “Please go and bring the chef.” The assistant, noticing that more than half of the chairman’s steak was left on the plate, felt uneasy but went to fetch the chef. The chef, visibly nervous, approached carefully and asked, “Was there something wrong with the food?” The chairman gave a warm smile and replied, “No, not at all. The steak was excellent. I simply wasn’t feeling well today and couldn’t eat…

Endurance Hunting

Before humans invented and used weapons, how did they hunt animals that were faster and stronger than themselves? One of the simplest hunting methods—requiring no tools at all—is called “endurance hunting.” In this technique, a hunter selects an herbivore that has fallen behind the herd and pursues it relentlessly. Regardless of the distance or number of days it takes, the hunter continues the chase until the animal collapses from exhaustion. If the prey slips out of sight, the hunter follows its trail by reading signs such as droppings or chewed leaves. This method is also known as “persistence hunting” or “tracking hunt.” Wild animals can run very fast over short distances, but this comes at the cost of rapid energy…

At the Brink of Death

“Right now, I feel like I could embrace and love every person I’ve ever met. It wasn’t until I faced death and began saying goodbye to those I hold dear that I finally realized: life is a gift and a joy. Every moment can be a moment of happiness.” At the age of 28, a man convicted of anti-government activity stood on the verge of execution. He was granted five final minutes to reflect on his life. Facing death, the biting winter wind no longer felt cold, and the chill of the ground beneath his bare feet felt precious—beautiful, even. Regret overwhelmed him: Why hadn’t I realized this sooner? But just then, a command came through: the execution was halted.…

The Victory of the Army That Abandoned Its Spoils

An army that had been winning battle after battle suddenly saw its combat strength drop sharply. The general was puzzled to see his once agile soldiers—who used to scale steep ridges as if they had wings—now struggling even to walk across flat ground. He ordered the soldiers to open their packs. Out spilled piles of valuable spoils of war. Ignoring the soldiers' reluctance and regret, the general had all the spoils burned. From then on, the army regained its strength—and its victories.

Unfailing Love

As we walk the path of faith, there are times when we don’t understand why certain things happen, only to realize later that those very moments were filled with God’s hidden blessings. Whenever I’m tempted to rely on my own thoughts instead of trusting in God’s will, one verse always comes to mind: Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Ps 107:8–9 Reading this passage, I am reminded once again that Heavenly Father and Mother love us with unwavering constancy and always fill us with what is good. Looking back on my journey of faith, I see how…

Shin Jun-hee from Suwon, Korea