Barnaby the rabbit loved carrots, but he loved playing even more. Every sunny afternoon, he'd zoom around the meadow, chasing butterflies and digging holes. He'd bounce and leap, his long ears flopping with every playful movement.
His burrow was cozy, lined with soft grass and nestled beneath a sprawling oak tree. But Barnaby often waited until the moon was high in the sky before settling in. He'd be too busy tumbling and playing to notice the sun sinking lower and lower.
One afternoon, Barnaby was racing after a particularly fast butterfly. He tumbled over a root, bumping his nose and feeling a sudden ache. He tried to play on, but the pain grew worse. He realised, with a sigh, that he was too tired to play.
He finally limped back to his burrow. He saw his friend, Lily, a wise old rabbit, carefully gathering dandelion petals. Lily smiled kindly at him.
‘Barnaby,’ she said gently, ‘playing is wonderful, but you need to rest to stay strong and healthy. Remember your body needs time to recharge.’
Barnaby felt a pang of understanding. He had been so busy having fun that he'd forgotten about being kind to himself. He realized how much Lily and his fellow rabbits cared about him.
He laid down beside Lily and closed his eyes. He pictured the sweet smell of clover and the feel of soft grass beneath him. He imagined the bright sunrise the next day and all the fun he would have then.
As the evening deepened, Barnaby felt the pain lessening, replaced by a sense of calm. He drifted off to sleep. He slept soundly all night, dreaming of all the exciting adventures he'd have tomorrow—but now, he would remember to take time for rest too.
The next morning, Barnaby woke feeling refreshed and ready. He realised that rest wasn't just about sleep. It was about caring for his body and mind so that he could be a joyful and healthy rabbit. He thanked Lily for her wisdom.
From that day on, Barnaby made sure to take a little time each day for rest. He knew a good night's sleep was the best way to have the best fun, the best play, and the best tomorrow.
And as the sun set each day, he found a comfortable spot to simply relax. A warm feeling settled over him as he knew playing was wonderful, but caring for his body was even more important.
Barnaby discovered a beautiful balance between play and rest, a secret to a happy and healthy rabbit life.