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The Picture of Peace Once upon a time, a good king was worried about the problems in his kingdom. There were wars all around the land and he wanted peace. One day, he called for the two best artists in his kingdom. He asked each of them to paint a picture of peace. The best painting would become the symbol of peace for the kingdom. The first artist went to work right away. He painted his favorite place. He thought that it was the most peaceful place on earth. It was a beautiful lake beside a mountain; The lake was calm and like a mirror; it reflected the mountain and the white clouds above it. The second artist sat and thought about the true meaning of peace for a very long time. Then he began to paint. He also painted a mountain, but his was steep and dark. A violent lightning storm with pouring rain hung over the mountain. A powerful waterfall rushed down its side. But behind the waterfall was a small tree. In the tree was a nest with a bluebird. She was calmly feeding her two tiny baby birds. The day came for the king to choose the best painting. He admired the first artist’s work. Then he looked at the second artist’s painting. He saw the violent storm clouds and rushing water. Then he saw the mother bird with her babies. “This,” the king said,搃s real peace. ? The first artist was angry.揟hatn h’s not peaceful!攈e shouted. The king explained,揑f you can be in the middle of all the noise, violence, and danger of the world, and yet be calm in your heart, then you have found true peace. ? ng The Wise Man’s Advice Long ago and far away, there lived a wise man who was very kind and fair. People came from far away to hear his advice. A little boy knew about the wise man and wanted to meet him. The boy’s mother was worried because her son ate too many sweets, so she decided to take him to the wise man. They walked for three days until finally they reached the wise man’s home. There was a long line in front of his house, and they had to wait in line for