Once upon a time, there was a kingdom ruled by a wise and compassionate king. The king had only one leg and one eye, but he ruled with such intelligence and kindness that his people admired him greatly. Under his rule, the kingdom prospered, and everyone lived in harmony and good health.
One day, as the king walked through his palace, he admired the portraits of his ancestors lining the walls. He thought about how, someday, his children and grandchildren would walk these halls, remembering him through his portrait. Yet, he had never had one painted. The king worried how his disabilities would appear in a portrait. Unsure of how it would turn out, he invited artists from across the land to create a beautiful portrait of him that could hang with pride in the gallery.
Many famous artists came to the palace, but when they saw the king, they hesitated. The thought of capturing the king’s unique appearance in a flattering way seemed impossible. Afraid of displeasing the king and facing consequences, each artist declined politely, fearing that a less-than-perfect portrait might insult him.
Just when the king began to lose hope, a young artist stepped forward with confidence. “Your Majesty,” he said, “I would be honored to create a portrait that will show your true strength and grace.” Intrigued, the king allowed him to begin. The artist set to work, taking his time to design something special.
When the portrait was finally revealed, the entire court gasped in awe. The artist had painted the king sitting astride a powerful horse, one leg gracefully bent on the saddle. With his bow drawn and his one eye focused, the king appeared noble and powerful, ready to lead and protect his people. His disabilities were cleverly hidden, and instead, the painting highlighted his regal strength and wisdom.
The king was delighted and thanked the artist for his thoughtful approach. He rewarded the young painter generously, grateful for a portrait that reflected not his limitations but his true essence as a wise and caring ruler.
Moral:
True strength lies in seeing the best in others. By focusing on people’s strengths rather than their flaws, we can reveal their true potential and beauty.
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