Motivation and inspiration comes from the most unexpected sources. This short story that has been doing the rounds of the net titled the fern and the bamboo is deeply spiritual as it is inspirational for those who feel all hope is lost and it’s time to call it quits. Life is a journey of ups and downs so read on.
A man decided to quit his job, his relationships and his responsibilities. He was so fed up of life that he decided to even call it quits on life but felt he needed to have one last conversation with God. He walked into the forest to meet him.
The man asked God “Can you give me one good reason not to quit?” He was infinitely surprised with his answer.
God said to him, “Look around”, “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?
He replied. YES!! To which God replied
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I use to take a very good care of them by giving them light and water. And, that's the reason they quickly grew from the earth. Though all ferns were green covering the floor, but nothing came from the bamboo seeds. But I didn't quit on them."
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“In the third year even though there was nothing from the bamboo seed, I would not quit. In the fourth year again, if there was nothing from the bamboo seed, then I would not quit.”
But suddenly in the fifth year, a tiny sprout came out from the ground. Though it was very small as compared to those of the ferns, but still it was like a ray of hope for me. And, 6 months later, Bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
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"I had spent long five years in growing roots which 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.”
God then asked the man.
“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.”
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God then said to the man, “Your time will come” “You will rise high”
The man still in doubt asks God "How high should I rise?" to which God replied "How high will the bamboo rise?
The man now confused answered “As high as it can?" to which God exclaimed.
"YES" “Give Me glory by rising as high as you can.”
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The man then left the forest after having his conversation with God and then narrated this short story in his own words. He explained how you should never give up on life. Happiness encourages you while challenges strengthen you. Sorrows keep you human, and failures humble you. If you don’t quit, success keeps you pushing forward but only God keeps you going!
Remember God helps those who help themselves so don’t keep telling your problems to God instead praise him for making you what you are and giving you the opportunity to rise to challenges like the fern and bamboo so that you may rise high and face any challenge with courage.
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