THE STORY OF THE BAMBOO

Like any plant, growth of the Chinese bamboo tree requires nurturing- water, fertile soil, sunshine. In its first year, we see no visible signs of activity. In the second year, again, no growth above the soil. The third, the fourth, still nothing. Our patience is tested and we begin to wonder if our efforts like caring and watering will ever be rewarded.

And finally in the fifth year- behold a miracle! We experience growth and what growth it is- 80 feet in just six weeks.

The bamboo is an analogy to our own experience with personal growth and change. It is never easy, as it is slow to show any progress, frustrating and unrewarding at times. But worth it if we can be patient.

Our ability to stay persistent and focussed, continuing to firmly believe in what we are doing even when we don’t see immediate results matters. In a culture driven by instant gratification- this is our biggest challenge. The change may be slow, even invisible at times, but suddenly as in the case of bamboo, we will surprise ourselves.