Connections Archive

Dr Wayne French
Chaplain, Lake Macquarie campus

I love the following story because it has so many applications for my life.

* * * *

I quit--my job, relationship and spirituality. I want to quit my life. I go to the forest to have one last talk with God.

"God," I say. "Give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprises me. "Look around," He says. "See the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes," I reply.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern grew quickly. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Nothing came from the bamboo seed, but I didn't quit. In the second year, the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful, and again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. Same again in years three and four, but I wouldn't quit. Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern, it was small and insignificant, but just six months later, the bamboo rose to more than 30 metres.

It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.

"Did you know, my child, all this time you've been struggling, you've been growing roots? Your time will come. You will rise high."

"How high should I rise?" I ask.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asks in return.

"As high as it can?"

"Yes," He says, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

* * * *

Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness, bad days experience. Both are essential.

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