One day I decided to give up. I gave up on my work, my family and friends, my faith, and even my life.

I went out to a meadow to have my last talk with God.

I said, “God, can you give me a reason not to give up?”

His answer surprised me. He said, “Look around you. Can you see the fern and the bamboo?”

“Yes, I can,” I replied.

“Well when I sowed the seeds of the fern and bamboo, I tended to them very well. I made sure they had plenty of water and light. The fern grew quickly. Its bright green colour covered the ground. The bamboo seed, however, did not sprout.

In spite of that, I did not give up on the bamboo. In the second year, the fern grew even more and it was brighter and stronger. And, again, the bamboo seed did not sprout.

But I did not give up on the bamboo. In the third and fourth years, the same thing happened. But in the fifth year, a tiny bud appeared. Compared to the fern, it was so small and insignificant.

Six months later, the bamboo was over 55 yards high. It had spent five years growing its roots. And those roots provided it with the necessary conditions to survive.

I would never demand any of My creatures to do more than they were able.”

And looking him in the eyes, He said, “Did you know that during all the time you’ve been fighting, you’ve actually been growing your roots?

I never gave up on the bamboo. I will never give up on you. Do not compare yourself with others. The bamboo and the fern were created for different purposes, yet both of them were necessary to make the meadow beautiful.

Your time will come,” God said to me. “You will grow a lot!”

“How much do I have to grow?” I asked.

“As high as the bamboo,” He answered. I thought, “As high as I can!”

I hope these words will help you to understand that God will never give up on you.

Never regret living.

Good days bring you happiness. Bad days bring you experience. They’re both important to you.

Happiness makes you sweet. Problems make you stronger. Pain makes you human. Failures make you humble.

Success keeps you shining. But only God keeps you walking.