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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 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 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!
One more thing..."never be afraid to try something new.
Remember, amateurs built the ark.
Professionals built the titanic."
Author unknown
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