I was reading in a forum today called "Friends Helping Friends." There was an entry posted by Tommy Prater, it really touched my heart and I thought it might touch yours too.
For those of you who practice religions other than Christianity please insert the name of your deity or if you're an atheist please insert the name of someone for whom you have infinite respect.
I think for all of us there are times when we just wonder if we're on the right path and this story puts that into a wonderful perspective. Please enjoy ...
THE FERN AND 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 quit," he 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!!
Love life and live it creatively.
Leanne
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