Uplifting

I saw this on the Catholic Charlotte Mason yahoo group, as a response to a woman who is having problems with a reluctant homeschooling son. I thought it was inspiring.

The Fern and the Bamboo

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". He 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. I would not quit." He
said. "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."

He said to me. "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 and brought back this story. I hope these words can help
you see that God 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. Keep going...

"Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because
we are different that each of us is special."