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 old 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 the mule 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!

As you may have guessed, 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!

We've all had dirt shoveled on us, but the way we respond makes all the difference in the world. Life is no party, but it's livable...



(Author: Unknown)



From the Heart of Maryjane


Here's my new way of thinking, I found my way back to church today and now I'm going to try and shake off, and step up, and not be afraid to face any kind of anything thrown at me even dirt. You see I'm tired of having to explain myself and I'm tired of getting buried in doubt, just like that mule shook off that dirt I will be strong and do the same. I want to be happier then I have been and I started today, hope all of you who know me, will want to join me in making me happier again, that way I won't have to pick all of your brains as to why I'm the way I am. Here's to all the people I've given a hard time too with my constant questions about love, feelings, and the why of it all. I will shake off all doubts.

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Copyrightedã March 23, 1999 by Maryjane a.k.a. Nanna_4