Monday 2 February 2009

Fern and Bamboo

Although I am a non-believer, I love this story that was posted by my Christain friend on the facebook. Its fill with wisdom and encouragement. I have once read a passage on the story of the Chinese bamboo which was very similar but this was better especially at the summary.

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 & the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern & the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them sunlight. 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 & 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 & 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 & 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."

I left the forest & 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!
Have a great day! The Son is shining!

God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love & so small He can curl up inside your heart

2 comments:

Reichi said...

I was impressed by the story.
It gave me energy.
Thanks for sharing the story.
And thanks for the link! ;-)

Bingbing said...

Hi Reichi,

You are welcome. Glad u find it useful. =)