Tapestry of Faith: Riddle and Mystery: A Program on the Big Questions for Grade 6

Activity 2: Story - The Stonecutter

Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Read and print out the story.

Description of Activity

Read the story aloud. Then ask:

  • Have you ever wanted anything badly, then found when you got it that you were just as happy without it... or that you wanted something else more?
  • What did the stonecutter really want? Did he want power and finally realize he had the most power as a stonecutter? Or, did he really, deep inside, want to be content?
  • Is personal happiness a reasonable goal to shape your life around?

Say, in your own words:

Most of us have to make many decisions in our lives. For the stonecutter, it was pretty easy-once he wished to become something new, he got his wish. In real life, what would you have to do to accomplish your goals?

Do you think becoming rich is a good goal to shape your decisions in life? Would the results make you feel fulfilled and happy?

What other goals might be good ones to help you shape decisions in your life?

Explain that when you have thought about and set important goals for yourself or when you feel a calling from deep inside to do or be something, decisions about what you should do with your life can be clearer. Ask:

  • Do you think the stonecutter in the story had a calling to be or do something? In other words, was there something he really had to be or do in his life just because of who he really was, deep inside?