While researching for an article on Spirituality for Access Press, I came across one in the Fall issue of Lift Magazine, “Extending Hand of Mercy” published by, Eleos- The Cara Network, Inc. It spoke of the need to have belief in our inner resources. These resources, I believe, are gifts that God has placed in all of us. When we look to these resources we find solutions that give us the strength to succeed no matter what the obstacles.
Shake It Off and Step Up!
by Ernestine Peak
This parable is told of farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule “praying” or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving.
Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery. Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back… HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!
This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up!” He repeated to himself to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought “panic” and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!
It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL!
What seemed like it would bury him, actually helped him…all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
THAT’S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity…
THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE VERY REAL POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT US!
“Never be afraid to try, something new. Remember, amateurs built the Ark. And professionals built the Titanic.”
