The Singing Scoutmaster: Nanabozho and the Stubborn Rock

One sunny afternoon, as Nanabozho was exploring the woods, he came across a massive rock blocking the path ahead. The rock was so round and enormous that it seemed like a small hill, and there was no way around it. Nanabozho frowned and scratched his chin thoughtfully. "What a nuisance!" he muttered. "How is anyone supposed to get by with you just sitting there?"

Determined to clear the way, Nanabozho rolled up his sleeves and gave the rock a hard shove. But despite his strength, the rock didn't move an inch. Undeterred, he dug his feet into the ground and pushed with all his might until his face turned red and beads of sweat dripped down his forehead. Still, the rock remained stubbornly in place, not budging even a little.

Frustrated, Nanabozho tried kicking the rock. When that didn't work, he tried using a fallen branch as a lever, but the rock simply stayed put. "What kind of rock are you?" he grumbled, glaring at it. "You must be the most stubborn rock in the entire forest!"

He stomped around the rock, shouting at it and calling it names, but nothing changed. Tired and out of ideas, Nanabozho finally collapsed on the ground, panting and feeling utterly defeated. "I'm supposed to be the clever one, yet I can't even move a silly rock!" he groaned. He leaned back and looked up at the sky, feeling his irritation melt away as he thought about his situation.

That's when it hit him—he had been going about it all wrong. Instead of trying to force the rock to move, maybe he could persuade it. Smiling at his newfound idea, Nanabozho stood up and dusted himself off. He approached the rock again, but this time, instead of pushing or kicking, he cleared his throat and spoke in a soft, friendly tone.

"Oh, great rock," he said, his voice smooth and gentle. "You are truly magnificent. I've never seen a rock so strong and unmoving. No one could ever make you move if you didn't want to." He paused, and the rock seemed to listen, as if curious about what Nanabozho would say next.

Encouraged, Nanabozho continued, "But, mighty rock, don't you ever wonder what's on the other side of this path? Wouldn't you like to see new sights and experience something different? I bet there's a beautiful view just a little further ahead."

To Nanabozho's surprise, the rock trembled slightly, as if considering his words. "That's right," Nanabozho coaxed softly. "Just a little bit. You can do it!"

The rock shifted ever so slightly, then rolled forward a tiny bit. Nanabozho cheered and clapped his hands. "You're doing it, rock! Keep going!" he encouraged. Inch by inch, the massive rock began to move, rolling forward as if it had a will of its own.

With a final effort, the rock moved completely off the path and came to a gentle stop beside the trail. Nanabozho stood back, grinning from ear to ear. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?" he said, patting the rock affectionately. "You just needed a little encouragement."

Feeling satisfied with himself, Nanabozho continued on his way, the path now clear and open. He chuckled as he walked, reflecting on what he had learned. "Sometimes, it's not about brute strength or force. A kind word and a bit of patience can move even the most stubborn of obstacles."

The rock, now sitting quietly beside the path, seemed to glow in the afternoon sun. From that day on, it became a reminder to all who passed by: when faced with a difficult problem, try a little kindness and understanding first. Nanabozho's tale spread far and wide, teaching the importance of wisdom, empathy, and perseverance to everyone who heard it.