I keep on seeing this in the bulletin boards in the cubicles at our office, though I do not know who posted this around. I feel the urge to share this with you guys.
after the break.
If you're trying to achieve big goals in your life and work, the chances are that, from time to time, you hit rock bottom. Nothing works, nothing goes right, nothing succeeds. at times like these, you may feellike throwing in the towel. but before you do, read the following story. it might just change your mind.
One day, a small business owner decided he'd had enough. enough of the unremitting workload, enough of the lack of response, enough of the crushing loneliness.
He went into the woods to have one last talk to God. "God," he said. "Can you give me one good reason why I shouldn't quit?"
the answer took him by surpris. "Look around you," it said.. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes," the man replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bambo, I took very good care of them. I gave them both equal amounts of food and water. I gave them sunlight in spring and protected them from the storms in autumn. The fern quickly grew from the earth. its brilliant fronds soon covered the forest floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year, the fern grew even more splendidly than before but nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. Still 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 day by day the sprout grew. First a shootm then a seedling, and finally a cane. Within six monthsm the bamboo cane had risen to a height of 100 feet. It had spent the five years growing root. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not quit any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
"Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been strugglin, you have been growing? Growing the roots that you need to produce your fruit. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will not quit on you."
"Don't compare yourself to others. All of my creations have different purposes, different journeys, and different timescale. The bamboo had a different purpose from the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come. You will rise high."
"How high should I rise?" the man asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" asked God in return.
"As high as it can?" the man questoned.
"Yes," God replied. "Give me glory by rising as high as you can.
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
If nothing seems happening into your life, despite all the work you're putting in, remember that you're probably growing roots not fruit. Stick with it. One day not far from now, there'll be a fantastic harvest.
