Parable of the Bamboo

" . . . if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. ... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God . . ."  Romans 8:23 & 28

Sister Bullock spoke to us at one of our meetings about this parable.  While searching for a copy of the parable, I ran across an impressive blog site written by an educated young man, who posted it in English after translating it (he speaks five languages).  His blog is about parenting, but more specifically about what he is doing to be a good daddy (the photos of his children are precious).  He shares great wisdom in his reflections of life, coming from a Christian perspective.  You may enjoy checking his blog out at daddyparentingtips.blogspot.com

This photo copied from the Internet

The Parable of the Bamboo and Fern

One day, I decided to quit. To quit from my job, to quit from everyone, to quit from my spiritual journey. I went to the forest to speak with God for the final time.

"God," I spoke, "Give me one good reason not to quit."  His answer surprised me.  "Look around you,"  He said, "Do you see the ferns and the bamboos in this forest."  "Yes,"  I answered.

God said, "When I first planted them, I sowed the seeds evenly and cared for them with fairness.  I gave them light and water. The ferns grew rapidly, and its green spread across the land. Nothing sprouted from the bamboo seed, but I did not stop caring for them."

"In the second year, the ferns grew even faster and in greater numbers. Yet, still nothing sprouted from the seed of the bamboo. But, I never gave up."

"In the third year, nothing sprouted still from the seed of the bamboo, yet I would not quit. Same goes for the fourth year."

"Then, in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth among the ferns. Compared to the fern, it looked seemingly small and insignificant. Yet, six months later, it grew and climbed to a height o
f more than 100 feet.

In the initial five years, it was devoting its energy to establish its roots underground. The bamboo can only grow large and tall with a strong system of roots. I would not allow my creation any trials that it could not handle."


"Do you, my child, know that in all your trials, you were actually growing your roots?  Just as I had never given up on the bamboo, so it is the same with you."

God continued, "Do not compare yourself with others. The bamboo's purpose is different from that of the fern, yet both contribute to making the forest look beautiful."

"Fear not, my child, your time will come," God said to me, "You will grow to great height".

I asked, "God, how tall should I grow?"  God replied, "As tall as the bamboos could grow."  I asked, "As tall as they are capable of growing?"  "Yes, He answered, "Glorify Me with your growth, as tall as you can rise."

I walked out of the forest renewed.  I am reminded that God would never leave me.  Neither would He give up on you.

Do not ever regret this moment of your life that you are undergoing as it is but one day. The good days bring happiness. The less good days bring experience.  Both brings meaning to this life.