A certain young man decided to quit after working tirelessly and investing all he has into his business, only to realize that none of his efforts yielded the rapid growth he had so much anticipated for...with no hope left in him, he was determined to quit at life by committing suicide. While he had already concluded, he felt a need to atleast have one last talk with an old friend of his who happen to be a farmer.
After notifying his friend about his decisions, the farmer pleaded with him to have a rethink but the young man stood his ground and remained adamant that his mind had already being made up and nothing can change it. Still, the old farmer pleaded with him over and over again. So the young man, in an attempt to understand the basis for the farmer's plea asked the question, "Can you give me one good reason not to kill myself?"
The farmer quietly responded with a question, "Look around. What do you see?”, the already furious young man answered, "I see fern and bamboo seeds. But what has these got to do with my decisions to die now?"
The old farmer then sat himself down and said, let me tell you about a life lesson I learnt many years ago while trying to grow these seeds:
"When the fern and the bamboo seeds were planted, 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.
In the third and fourth year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. I was already frustrated and at the edge of calling it quit.
Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth and my hope was rekindled. Although, compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6 months later the bamboo unimaginably rose to a height of over 100 feet tall. I would later discover that it had spent the five years I counted as a waste growing, deepening and strengthening its roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive."
At this point the young man had become very sober and having nothing to say. The farmer, looking his friend in the face, placed his hand on his shoulder and concluded:
"Young man, life does not give anyone a challenge they can not handle. Don't you know that all the time, resources, and skills you have invested have actually been helping you to grow roots and your decision to quit would mean that you'd never get the opportunity to see the little sprout that may grow to become a giant in little time? If I did not quit on the bamboo. Never quit on yourself."
Finally, the old farmer added, "the worst you can do to yourself is to compare your bamboo seeds to another man's fern seeds. We are all wired differently for peculiar purpose. Comparing yourself to others is like setting yourself up for failure, doom and frustration. The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern; yet, they both make the forest beautiful.
Your time will come. You will blossom and rise high! How fast you grow and how high you will rise will be determined by what kind of seed you have sown and how deeply rooted you can be. Perhaps you are like the bamboo, you have a chance of rising as high as you can be."
* * * * * * * * * *
END NOTE
The above story is centered around four major lessons:
[1.] The need to have an UNDERSTANDING of who you are, GOD's purpose for your life and as well as the seasons of your life.
[2] The essence of trusting totally through FAITH in GOD who has fashioned out your life's purpose to bring his plans to fulfillment.
[3] Not loosing HOPE in the promise made to you by GOD even in the face of trials, delays and unpalatable experiences.
[4] Knowing how, where and when to seek out for wise COUNSEL especially in a time of confusion and doubt as this may be your lifesaver, if not, you risk missing out of GOD's perfect plan for your life.
Modified & Rewritten by:
Ebenezer O. Akinrinade
[Photographer|Writer|Social Worker]
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