Modesty: Why Less is Often More!

A Story from the Neflental: Less Is Often More

In the Neflental, the time of the glorious high has begun. The sun casts a golden glow over everything. Rivers and lakes glitter like dancing sparks of fire. By the banks, many small peoples sit around colourful bonfires. Lanterns float gently in the warm twilight. Overhead, golden-feathered birds circle and sing special songs from the Sunfeather.

Rosa Immergrün and the Great Summer Festival

On a summer evening, Rosa Immergrün decides to visit the festival by the Crystal Lake. Many residents bring special gifts: the Flossians bring pretty shells, the Buchians bring sweet tree resin, and the Bergsteins bring glittering stones from the mountains. Everywhere, the guests hear cheerful laughter and smell the delicious aroma of food. Many build large towers out of ferns and decorate them with colourful flowers. Everyone wants to show that they have much to possess and can give.

The challenge at the lake

Some children propose a challenge: who can bring the most valuable gift to the grand feast? Immediately, many jump up. One child runs off and returns with the largest piece of amber. Another finds a sparkling seashell, so rare that everyone marvels at it. Someone brings a huge sheet of tissue paper that blazes like fire in the wind. Everyone gasps and shouts, „Look, that's the best thing!“ But Rosa Evergreen remains thoughtful at the back. She looks at the water and sees the little silver fish dancing in the light.

Less is often more in the Neflental

Rosa Immergrün wonders: Do I really need to bring something big to belong? Then she notices an old lady sitting sadly on the bank. Her hands are empty, her gaze wanders over the sparkling crystal lake. Rosa Immergrün quietly sits down next to her and asks: „What are you missing?“ The lady replies: „Everyone shows what they have, but no one notices when someone just wants to listen or smile.“ So Rosa Immergrün stays with her.

The two of them are talking. They listen to the singing from the Sunken Valley. They watch the light dance on the lake and a bird perform acrobatics in the sky. The lady suddenly smiles and tells her stories of the glory days of years gone by. Rosa Immergrün listens, nods, and asks a few questions. The lady beams with ever-increasing joy. She says, „Thank you, for today you have given me more than anyone else.“

The realisation from the Sunfed Valley

As the festival draws to a close, many look questioningly at Rosa Immergrün. Some wonder why she hasn't brought a precious gift. But the old lady tells everyone about the conversation and how valuable it was to her. Many listen intently and notice how happy the lady is. They understand: Sometimes modesty means that less is sometimes more. An open ear and genuine time are often the greatest gift. In the Sonnenfedertal, the golden-feathered birds fly as if they wanted to carry the message further.

What do we learn from this?

In the glow of Neflental, it's not what we own that counts. What matters more is how we are there for each other. Those who listen, share joy. Those who offer small gestures often make others happier than with grand things. Thus, Rosa Immergrün teaches us that humility warms the heart. And that in Sonnenfedertal and throughout Neflental, sometimes the simplest gift is indeed the most valuable.

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