It's All Relative

A farmer lived in a small house with his wife and six children. The lack of space was driving him crazy, and in desperation he sought advice from the local elder.

The elder listened sympathetically to his problem. "I can help you," he said, "but you must do exactly as I say." The farmer agreed.

"Do you own any animals?"

"Yes," the man said. "I have a cow, two goats, and some chickens."

"Good. When you get home, bring all our animals into the house with you." The farmer was puzzled, but he did as the elder advised.

The next day he returned, complaining, "Elder, the animals are all over my house! What should I do?"

"Go home and take the chickens outside," the elder said. The man went home and took the chickens away. The following day he went back to the elder's house. "The chickens are outside, but we still have two goats and a cow getting in the way."

"Take the goats back outside," the elder instructed.

The day after than, the man returned again. "The goats are out in the yard, but the cow is everywhere."

The elder nodded. "Now take your cow back to your field."

The farmer came back smiling the next day. "It's amazing! The house is quiet and we have room to spare! Thank you, elder!"