Monday

The Fern & the Bamboo

One day I decided to quit.... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality..... I wanted
to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo".
He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quitHe said.
"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others" He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful."
"Your time will come," God said to me. " You will rise high!"
"How high should I rise?" I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you Happiness.Bad days give you Experiences. Both are essential to life.Happiness keeps you Sweet,Trials keep you Strong,Sorrows keep you Human,Failures keep you Humble,Success keeps You Glowing,But Only God keeps You Going! Have a great day! The Son is shining!!

Author Unknown

4 comments:

Ticia said...

Thank you what a wonderful thing to read today!

Stephanie Mosher said...

This is very timely in my life thank you for the story and the beautiful pictures!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so very much for that wonderful story. I needed it today. I feel like I am at the end of my road but that just reminds me that he never gives up on us so we dont need to give up on him. It just made me think that I just need to get on my knees that The Good Lord above will help me. Thanks again. I am glad I stumbled up on your blog! Have a very blessed day. Cathy

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that ya'll have enjoyed this story. It was sent to me from a dear friend this last week and I just had to share it. I found it inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting. I hope you do to.

The Woman who works with her hands only is a laborer. The woman who works with her hands and her head is a Crafts Woman. The Woman who works with her hands, her head, & her heart is an ARTIST. And if she uses her talents to bless others, she's an ARTIST after God's heart.