the snail and the laughing sparrow

When asked if he was ever discouraged by the little fruit his efforts seemed to yield, the Master told the story of a snail that started to climb a cherry tree one cold, windy day in late spring.

The sparrows in a neighboring tree had a good laugh at his expense.  Then one flew over and sang out, "Hey, stupid! Don't you know there are no cherries on this tree?"

The little fellow did not stop as he replied, "Well, there will be when I get there."