The Bamboo and the Fern

One day a Man in his 30's got fed up and decided to quit.

"I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality, in fact I want to quit my life" he said.

Then He went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God, Can you give me just one good reason not to quit?" He said.

But God's answer surprised him.

"Look around", God said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes" the Man replied.

Then God continued,

“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds at the same time, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. It is 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. 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! 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 but 6 months to shoot to the Sky!  Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed not just to SURVIVE but to be SIGNIFICANT amidst its peers. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle because I love them too well! "

God said to Him, "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.

"The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet, they both make the forest beautiful.

"Your time will come and you will rise high! "

MORAL:

Dear Friends, He will never give up on us because we are close His Heart. Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness and Bad days give you experiences. Both are essential to life! A happy and meaningful life requires our continuous input and creativity. It does not happen by chance. It happens because of our choices and actions. And each day we are given new opportunities to choose and act and, in doing so, we create our own unique journey.

Keep going!

Contributed by: Allen