Yusuf sat beside his father in the small fishing boat as the sun set behind the horizon, painting the sky in soft orange and pink. The sea was very still, as if it too were getting ready for sleep.

His father said softly, "We caught enough today, Yusuf. Now it's time to head home." He rowed gently, and the sound of the oar touching the water felt like a quiet song.

Yusuf watched the seagulls glide slowly toward the shore and listened to the small waves lapping softly against the boat's side, tick... tick... tick, like a gentle bedtime clock.

Feeling sleepy, Yusuf leaned against his father's shoulder and looked up at the first stars twinkling in the sky. "Look, my son," his father said, "even the stars come out to light our quiet way home."

When the boat reached the shore, his father carried sleepy Yusuf gently in his arms, and they walked home, where his mother waited with a warm smile, so Yusuf could finish his peaceful sleep in his own bed.

The Lesson: A day of good, honest work deserves a calm and happy rest.