It was a dreary day in 573 Land, the sky was dark and heavy with rain clouds. The sound of raindrops hitting the ground echoed through the streets, surrounding fields, and forest. Everyone was beginning to grow tired of the constant wet weather, and around town, the locals were slowly sinking into worn and sunken sofas.
...I'm so sick of being stuck inside all day...
A group of children huddled together in an open garage, their faces downturned as they watched the rain fall. Even their trusted hound felt out-of-sorts. "I wish the rain would go away," said one of the kids, kicking at a puddle. Someone blurted out, "Let's go in and TikTok." "No, I'm so sick of being stuck inside all day," added another. Suddenly, a little girl blurted out, "I heard if you sing 'Rain, rain, go away' three times, the rain will stop." Without missing a beat, all together, they chanted the familiar rhyme: "Rain, rain, go away, come again another day." Three times!
As if by magic, the rain began to slow down, and mouths dropped. Then the clouds parted, and a brilliant beam of sunshine struck their faces. The children cheered and ran out into the yard, dancing in the sunshine and remaining drizzle.
The children cheered and ran out into the yard, dancing in the sunshine and remaining drizzle.
That's when they spotted the puddle.
We need more!
Time for some payback.
They splashed in the puddles, played tag-you're-it, and slid on the wet grass—soon all were muddy with green grass-stained clothing, a casualty of fun. All were totally worn out with achy muscles—they'd given their bodies just what they needed, movement.
...soon all were muddy with green grass-stained clothing, a casualty of fun.
A simple garden hose does magic in the right hands.
All were totally worn out with achy muscles—they'd given their bodies just what they needed...
In the end, the children realized that sometimes all it takes is a little bit of hope and positivity to brighten up a dreary day—and maybe some mud. They knew the rain would strike again soon, but for now, they were just happy to be there.
...and so was their faithful hound.
Ok, I just made this story up to remind everyone in 573 Land that you have to get your kids outside and off phones, computers, and TVs. You are their only hope for a healthy, happy body. Force them to play in the rain, force them to hike, force them to ride a bike, force them to swim…you are their only hope and defense against bad—sometimes something stronger than encouragement is called for. They won't remember hanging on TikTok for days, but they will remember playing in the mud and wet grass for a few hours. Not only will you be doing right by your kids, but it will also force you to crawl out of your sunken sofa. If you are hoping for a new job, or a better home, or better health…
Stop hoping and Get Out There! This is a public service message from the Supreme Leader - 573 Magazine
produced by aj koehler
pics/words t. smugala
edited by d. smugala
dog - ciapka
boy - axle s.
girl 1 - autumn p.
girl 2 - lauren c.
girl 3 - halle e.
Shot on location in sunny Perryville.
Be sure to visit all of our awesome sponsors who make these stories possible!
Comentarios