When You Think About Giving Up

Lesson from The Fern and the Bamboo

One day I decided to quit.... I wanted to quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with Creator.

"Creator", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" The answer surprised me...

"Look around", The Creator 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. 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 more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo." Creator 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. "

Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and 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 and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

Creator said to me. "Did you know, 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." The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautifutiful."

"Your time will come, you will rise high!" "How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise? " was asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes, came the answer, "Give thanks for your life and all that you have. Give me glory by rising as high as you can. And remember. I will never leave you, nor forsake you. I will never give up on you. I will never, ever quit on you."

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that Creator will never give up on you.

Note: This story was sent to me through email. There is no way I can tell who the original writer of this. If any of you knows who he/she is (or you might be the one); just email me or leave a comment here. I would be very glad to give the credit to whom the creadit is due.