I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality…. I wanted to quit my life.
So I went into the woods, to have one last conversation with God.
‘God’, I asked, ‘Can you give me one good reason not to quit my life?’
But 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 both. 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 even more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came out from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo, He said.
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. 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…, He said.
But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. Yes, 100 feet tall.
The bamboo had spent the previous five years growing its roots.
Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. And grow.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.
And then He asked 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.’
I left the forest and decided to go back home and write this story. So I could share it with you.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
So you should Never, Never, Never Give up.
For this Prayer is not an option, but an opportunity.
Have an amazing day! And remember to count your blessings, not your problems.
