Saturday, August 23, 2008

I needed this one

I got this in email today and after all I have been going through in life....
This is one message that I really needed to hear. I hope you feel the same ....

The Fern And The Bamboo
Posted by: "Rest Ministries"

"'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"Hebrews 13:5 NIV

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 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 year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit.
The same in year four.
'Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant.
But just six 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.
'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, realizing that God will never give up on me.
And He 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.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The author of today's devotion is unknown.

6 comments:

Carolyn NC said...

That is so awesome and true, Dawn. Thanks for sharing!

Bette said...

Dawn, thank you for sharing that. I also needed to hear that at this particular time with Brian going off to school agin.

Sonda said...

I really like this. I've never wanted to quit my life per se, but I have felt overwhelmed by my own inadequacy. Sorry to hear about your kidney stones. It's amazing that such small things can mean such horrible pain. Hope things go well and you get back on your feet quickly.

Anonymous said...

thank you! I needed to hear that!

Gayle~~flosswoman11@yahoo.com

Shari said...

that is wonderful!! I am glad I decided to pop in tonight!!!! I am going to copy/paste it so I can re-read it again & again!!

Unknown said...

oh boy did I need to see this right now in my life!