The story was of an unusual bamboo tree grown only in a certain province of China. The special seeds are planted deep in the earth and lovingly nurtured by the farmers who must take a very long term view of his & her work. They must for almost ten years water, fertilise and tend to the roots in the earth, putting hard work and skill to his labours. They can not see their progress as the roots develop. Finally after those long 10 years the shoots break through the soil. A miracle follows where the bamboo tree grows to its full height in just 9 months.
The question Una asks is this:
'Does the tree take 9 months to grow?’ He replies with joy ‘Of course not!'. The tree takes 10 years and nine months!'
The clear message of his tale ~ is just like the story of each of of our vocations, careers and businesses. How long are we all in earth making those roots? Studying, working on our way up our ladder, nurturing the dream and foundation for our business. Putting the hard work in & trying to break above ground into the light takes a great deal of courage.
When I saw a local, young harpist Megan Gayle step onto an International stage the audience watched in awe as she so beautifully played her piece. Did the piece take her 5 or 6 minutes to play? Again ~ of course not! It took years of dedication, hard work (and probably some disappointments to face along the way) to reach her masterpiece. Indeed, Megan had had many years 'in the earth'.
In each of us who plan a dream and watch our own progress we have those same years 'in the dark earth'.
When our own success happens (and with skill, hard work and a little faith ~ it will!) savour the day when it breaks into the sunshine!
It took me many years of working, (late after my day job, weekends and holidays) creating prototypes and facing many set backs & nay sayers along the way. When my amazing early licence with Chuchill china came through ~ I was walking on air. My earth bound toils finally saw some sunshine!
And so ~ dear fellow dreamers ~ take a moment to appreciate the success you see around you every day and their green canopies dazzling in the sunshine. How long were they buried beneath the ground? Years or perhaps even generations?
Be inspired ~ those lush green canopies may have matured and are already at chapter 23 in their third book. We may only be on our chapter 7. But ~ have faith! With time, courage, skill and effort ~ it can be done!
