An Encouraging Story

While I was at a teacher's orientation this week, a man who works at our central office read the following inspiring story to us...and yes it took everything within me not to cry in front of hundreds of new colleagues. Yes, I am a big cry baby...lol.
I asked for a copy of it so I can share it with you...get the tissues ready. And if you don't cry, don't make fun of me for crying! I wish I knew the author, so I could give credit...but I hope you find encouragement today!

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 fro 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 six months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall."

"It had spent 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. Neither will I ever 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 bring back this story. I hope these words can help you see that GOD WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU. 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.

KEEP GOING...

Happiness keeps you sweet
Trials keep you strong
Sorrow keeps you human
Failures keep you humble
Success keeps you glowing
BUT ONLY GOD KEEPS YOU GOING!