AS I conduct the class for aspiring writers and see their eager faces, as each visualizes a column in a paper or magazine, I know from experience how difficult the path of an author or writer is, But.. And it’s a big but, it can be done, with patience, prayer and perseverance! I remember an article that inspired me years ago, and to which I go back to even now..
“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 bamboo.” “In the second year Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from bamboo seed. But I did not quit on bamboo.”
“In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, 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 said ”Yes,” said God, “Give me glory by rising as high as you can!”
And that my dear friends is what our struggle is all about; roots digging deeper and deeper into soil, past rock and hard ground, past other stubborn roots, till once they are deep and firmly entrenched you grow taller than the other trees around. Don’t ever, ever give up, because you’re meant to stand tall like the bamboo..!
