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The Fern and The Bamboo
By Mohammed | November 12, 2006One 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 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 six 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 questioned.
“Yes.” He said, “Give me glory by rising as high as you can.”
I left the forest and brought 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. May You see this Wisdom and Do the same.
Bless everyday in your life. Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are essential to life.
November 24th, 2006 at 7:30 am
A beautiful understanding of the uniqueness of people’s individuality, potentiality and different patterns of self-development. There is purpose for everyone and everyone is of value.
Dr. Hal
April 4th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
So true, Dr. Hal!
July 18th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
WOW! What an awesome story, Karen. Thank you for sharing it.
Isn’t it amazing that something you posted to your blog 8 months ago could impact someone (me!) right now? This post itself may just have been a bamboo tree…
Thank you.
July 18th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
It is awesome!! Can you see why I shared it with you today?
I’m happy that you appreciated it!!
July 20th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Wow!!! I can see why you loved it, I do too. Thank you, and your friend for sharing it.
July 21st, 2007 at 8:01 am
[...] This may be an older article, but I was just turned onto it this week: Karen Lynch of Live the Power shares the story of The Fern and The Bamboo. This is a must read for those who feel that their lives just aren’t getting better fast enough. [...]
August 1st, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Can you tell me who wrote the fern and the bamboo?
Thanks so much
Mary Rogers
August 1st, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Mary,
In all of my research the only thing I ever came up with was -Author Unknown-
If you do find out let me know and I will edit this post to give credit!
August 10th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
[...] 1. Lyman reminded me of this one this week. It’s a great story on persisting and not giving up! From November 12, 2006 The Fern and the Bamboo [...]
August 10th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
[...] Lyman from Creating a Better Life mentioned an older post The Fern and the Bamboo in his Personal Development Reads from July 21. Thanks, Lyman [...]
November 1st, 2010 at 3:57 am
interesting story, but likely untrue.
See extracts from wiki below.
checking facts is like watering the bamboo, true/false?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo
Unlike trees, all bamboo have the potential to grow to full height and girth in a single growing season of 3–4 months. During this first season, the clump of young shoots grow vertically, with no branching. In the next year, the pulpy wall of each culm or stem slowly dries and hardens. The culm begins to sprout branches and leaves from each node. During the third year, the culm further hardens. The shoot is now considered a fully mature culm. Over the next 2–5 years (depending on species), fungus and mould begin to form on the outside of the culm, which eventually penetrate and overcome the culm. Around 5 – 8 years later (species and climate dependent), the fungal and mold growth cause the culm to collapse and decay. This brief life means culms are ready for harvest and suitable for use in construction within 3 – 7 years.
November 2nd, 2010 at 1:18 am
Truth be Told: There is more than one type of bamboo
It is entirely possible that there is one that fits this description. Perhaps one day I’ll search to find out for sure, but in the meantime I think I’ll just relish the fact that this parable speaks the truth about the difference between things that blossom quickly and those that take more time……both are beautiful, and have value worthy of what it takes to bring them to maturity! So, too, are people and their dreams 
God bless you!