A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule ‘braying’ or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule but decided that neither the 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 farmers and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back…a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned in 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 encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or 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 blessed 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 POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS US! Remember that FORGIVENESS-FAITH-PRAYER-PRAISE and HOPE…all are excellent ways to “SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP” out of the wells in which we find ourselves.
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the
test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
– Author Unknown
Short stories are posted on our blog every Saturday. They may be parables or tales that I heard in my childhood or stories from the ancient past or from the contemporary milieu. I am sure you will find this space a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration. There will not be a single story, which doesn’t have something distinctive to offer to you… Food for thought, Points to ponder, Values to cherish, Truths to reflect upon! Above all faith, hope, and inspiration to sustain you through all the vicissitudes of life!