Life Lessons From The Chinese Bamboo Tree | Motivational Story

We all know God works in ways that we cannot fully imagine. Usually, when His ways are revealed to us we can see that He always has a purpose and a plan for us that is much better than we could ever have imagined. This inspirational short story behind why Chinese bamboo grows slow while ferns grow fast is a beautiful reminder of His wondrous ways. Enjoy life lessons from bamboo tree motivational story!

Life Lessons from Bamboo Tree | Story About Why Bamboo Grows Slow

One day I decided to quit. I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. And 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 the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit.

In the fourth year, 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.

Life Lessons from Bamboo Tree

But 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 from 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 bring 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.

Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences. Both are essential to life. Keep going. Don't quit.

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We hope you've enjoyed this inspirational short story about bamboo! Here are a few facts and inspirational quotes about bamboo before you go!

Quotes About Bamboo

1. The young bamboo can be easily bent, but the full-grown bamboo breaks when it is bent with force. – Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

2. Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind. – Bruce Lee.

Facts About Chinese Bamboo

1. Bamboo can be used as an alternative to harmful aluminum as an ingredient in antiperspirant deodorant. The bamboo extract is said to help absorb excess moisture without clogging pores.
2. It has antibacterial properties. Bamboo has a bio-agent that the Japanese refer to as, “kun,” which resists the growth of bacteria on the fiber. This means that the garments made with bamboo fabric won't have to be washed as often, which saves energy! Bamboo fabric also has great wicking capabilities and dries much faster than cotton.
3. Bamboo holds a Guinness Book of World Records title! The 2300-year-old strips of bamboo are on record for being the first decimal calculator! It also holds the record for being the fastest growing plant at a rate of 35 inches per day!
4. Bamboo is strong! According to Newsweek, "It has greater tensile strength (or resistance to being pulled apart) than steel, and it withstands compression better than concrete."
5. Some bamboo is edible. Of the 1575 known bamboo species worldwide, 110 species are recorded to have edible shoots. Bamboo must be boiled in order to be eaten.

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