Do you ever have those days when you know you are in need of a special something? You are not sure what it is, but when "it" comes your way, you know it is exactly what you needed?
Well, this is what happened to me yesterday. A friend sent me the following story by e-mail. I wanted to pass it on to you, just in case you needed it too.
The Fern and the Bamboo – Author Unknown 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 also took care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Nothing came from the bamboo seed, yet, 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. However, I did not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. Nevertheless, 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. Just 6 months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent thosefive 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 has 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 brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you. Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness. Bad days give you experiences. Both are essential to life.
Keep going. 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! God is so big He can cover the whole world with his love, and so small, He can curl up inside your heart.
Have a great day, the Son is shinning!
I hope you have been as blessed as I was. Have a wonderful day – God Bless you a whole big bunch!
Teresa is a freelance writer, a speaker, a teacher, a wife, a mother, and most importantly, a daughter of the Most high God. Her greatest joy is leading others closer to Christ through practical study of the word of God. She prefers using the lighter things in life and a good laugh to make her point, but realizes the darker and deeper things of life must also be addressed. For more information on her available in-depth studies and or speaking engagements, visit www.teresaortiz.com
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I absolutly love the quote were it said, "Keep going. 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! After I read that i felt so much better! I want to print that out and put it up on my little cubical wall so when work gets rough, i can look up, smile, and go on wiht my day. Thank you for the encouraging article!
Hi Brittany, I am glad it blessed you! That was my favorite part of the story as well. What a great idea to print it out and keep it in plain sight. Have a very blessed day and remember, Jesus is right by your side. :-)
hi teresa,
excellent. uplifting, thought provoking, and i was on
the edge of my seat wondering how the story with
God would end. very good lesson for all.
thank you for sharing, i hope many people read.
if there was a 6, i would have given you a 6!
my best,
sue
Thank you so, I felt just as you did and I couldn't help but share. It really helps keep things in perspective. And thanks for the 6 stars :-) Love ya, Teresa
Thanks Teresa, these simple stories often help us realize that we are here for a purpose. Once we realize it, like the bamboo, we will begin to sprout and grow.
Jim
Hi Jim, thanks for reading and commenting. I agree, everyone needs a reason to sprout. Even in the book of Ezekiel God tells us without vision the people perish. He created us for a reason. Not one person is an accident. Blessings to you.
