OT: Shake It Off and Step Up!
on 6/2/08 2:53 am - MN
SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! 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 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 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 was not long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well. What seemed like it would bury him, had actually blessed him, all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity. That's life! If we face our problems, 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! As you go through your week, remember that forgiveness, faith, prayer, praise and hope are all excellent ways to SHAKE IT OFF and STEP UP, out of the wells in which we find ourselves! Have a great week! week!
"When you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
Imperfect does not = unsuccessful
