One day I decided to quit... 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 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.
Dont 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 answered
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.
Never Give up - just keep the faith!!!!!

Author unknown

Submitted by Lalita to SBOI

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