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 forest 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. Just six months later however, 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, especially at the heights of its potential.
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, realising 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 experience; both are essential to life. Serenity isn’t freedom from the storm, it is peace within the storm.