The Chinese Bamboo plant starts from a tiny
seed. You plant the seed in the dirt, and you
water the seed. Very little seems to happen
the first year. Despite your efforts, only a
tiny shoot pokes out of the ground.
So…..the second year you water and
fertilize and protect the seed…..Nothing
happens.
So…..the third year you water and
fertilize and protect the
seed…..Nothing happens.
So…..the fourth year you water and
fertilize and protect the
seed…..Nothing happens.
So…..the fifth year you water
and fertilize and protect the
seed.….Finally, during the fifth
year, the Chinese Bamboo plant
begins to grow. In fact, it grows
90 feet tall in just 6 weeks!
The question is, did it grow 90 feet in six
weeks or in five years? The answer, of
course, is that it grew 90 feet in five years.
It took five years to grow the root system
that would one day support a 90-foot plant.
People are often like the Chinese Bamboo
plant. We invest hours and hours trying to
develop ourselves or others, and nothing
happens. We spend years discipling our
children to follow the Lord, but…..nothing
happens. We hold countless meetings with
our staff members to coach them in the
development of their strengths and
developmental areas, but…….nothing happens.
We redouble our efforts to help a friend
make better decisions, but…….nothing
happens.
If you’re like most people, you will be
tempted to give up. Don’t do it! If you give
up, the seeds you planted will die. But if you
continue to care for the seeds, one day (when
you least expect it) the results of your labor
will seem to magically appear overnight!
If the Chinese Bamboo plant immediately
shot up 90 feet in the first year, one strong
wind would blow it down. By growing deep
before it grows tall, it gains the strength it
needs to withstand the force of heavy winds.
Similarly, lasting growth starts on the inside
of people. It’s difficult to see that change is
taking place, but this is a necessary process.
The growing they do on the inside creates
strength of character and conviction.
Don’t give up hope! Your efforts will be
rewarded! Once the root system is
established, your growth or the growth of
those you are coaching will spring up
seemingly overnight!

Hmmmn.. Nice and amazing.