A bird lay in the desert dying of thirst. Its weak body was showing indications that the end was near, so it whispered to G‑d, “Please give me water and spare my life.”

Suddenly, a fierce wind erupted and lifted the bird, sending it sailing through the air until it was just a few feet from the riverbank. “Please, G‑d,” the bird whispered. “I’m so tired and thirsty. I can’t walk all the way to the river!”

Again the wind lifted the bird until it was just one foot away from the cool water. “Oh, please G‑d! It’s too far for me to walk! I’m so thirsty. Please give me water to drink!”

Yet again the wind carried the bird until it lay at the riverbank. “G‑d, I’m so thirsty. Please save me!” it desperately cried. A final gust of wind lifted the bird, placing it right inside the cool, fresh water. Despite its amazement, the bird foolishly continued praying for the water that its body so desperately required.

A heavenly voice called out and admonished it, exclaiming, “Silly bird! See that I have carried you to the water. You need only bend your head and drink! This only you can do.”

“Even if you’re on the right track,
you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”

“Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”