One day I decided to quit… quit my job, quit my relationships with others and quit my spirituality. I went into the forest to talk to God one last time.
“God,” I said, “give me one reason not to quit.”
He gave an answer that surprised me.
“Look around you,” He said, “have you noticed the ferns and bamboo plants that are in this forest?”
“Yes,” I replied
Then God said, “When I first planted them, I planted and tended their seeds carefully. I give them light. I give them water. The ferns grew very fast. Its charming green color covers the ground. However, nothing happened from the bamboo seed. But, I didn’t stop taking care of him.
“In the second year, the ferns grew faster and more. However, still nothing happens from the bamboo seeds. But I did not give up on him.
“In the third year there was still nothing growing from that bamboo seed, but I still didn’t give up. So is the fourth year.
“Then in the fifth year, a small bud emerged from the ground. Compare with fern, it looks so small and seems insignificant.
“But six months later, this bamboo grew to a height of more than 30 meters. It took him five years to grow the roots. Those roots make him strong and give him what he needs to survive. I’m not going to give my creations a challenge they can’t handle.
“Do you know that my son, from all your time of struggle,you actually growing your roots? I didn’t give up on that bamboo. I will never give up on you either.”
God said again, “Don’t compare yourself to others. Those bamboos have a different purpose compared to ferns. But both still make this forest more beautiful.
“The time you will come, you will grow very tall.”
“How tall should I grow?” I asked.
“How high can those bamboos grow?”
“As high as they can afford?
“Yes,” He answered, “glorify Me with your growth, as high as you can reach.”
Then I left the forest, and I realized that God would never give up on me.
Never regret the life we are currently living. Good days bring happiness; Less good days provide experience; Both give meaning to this life.
