The Principle of the Chinese Bamboo Tree

Have you heard about the Chinese Bamboo Tree? It grows differently than other species of bamboo. Those who plant them nurture the bulb in the soil every day for four years, and nothing happens. Nothing. Then one day it takes off. Within one week it grows up to 90 feet tall. It almost sounds unbelievable.

Yet, all that time the bamboo roots have been developing into a massive system to support the incredibly quick growth of the plant once it's matured. It seems to me that the life process of this miraculous plant works on a true principle.

This principle is similar to tools we've been given to use in our own lives that allow all that is spiritual and divine within us to grow to its fullest potential. Our loving Heavenly Father has given us the nurturing power of prayer, much like the water, the whisperings of the still, small voice to guide us, the scriptures to enlighten our minds and understanding in much the same way the sun shines on the seemingly dormant Chinese Bamboo Tree.

It seems to me that as long as we are using this principle--steadily, consistently nurturing our spirits with spiritual food, acting with compassion towards our loved ones, spouses, children, friends, bosses, teachers, and those we meet, repairing our mistakes and unkindnesses through repentance, and using our gift of agency wisely--that our root systems continue to grow into a massive power, prepared for incredible growth.

I also wonder if our greatest struggles are simply a preparation ground where nothing seems to be happening. All we see is dirt. Maybe the bulb of something promising seems to be poking through. "I"m watering, watering, watering. Yawn . . . nothing's working! So and so still can't stand me. Will my child ever come around?"

But what is happening during that time? Are we following the principle of the Chinese Bamboo Tree? Hopefully we are watering. Hopefully we are letting the sun shine in. Hopefully we are listening to the quiet winds of our inner mind where the Holy Ghost directs our growth. Hopefully we are patient, seeing-the-big-picture nurturers, and not self-pitying whiners, well, like me.

I imagine that for each soul who strives, the day comes when each painstaking, even discouraging  effort explodes into sublime blessings. Maybe they'll be in the life to come. Maybe they're just around the corner in the form of a phone call while you're in the middle of breakfast.

All the little things we've said or done to bring about hoped-for change around us or within us--explodes into amazing spiritual growth in understanding, or blessed relationships (Finally. Sigh!), or answered prayers.

In all my years of reading, study, and prayer I've never heard anything that has touched me more than the story of the Chinese Bamboo Tree. They are so much like you and I: capable of unlimited possibility in a split second, when all you think you've got is dirt. Keep watering. Tell your parents you love them.

Comments

[Weldon Hathaway]

Karey that's really incredible! It's so true that such a great majority of our lives is spent in preparation to just be ready for a few all-important moments when we can just explode into our potential if we're ready. Thanks for sharing that!

[installing irrigation systems]

As you wrote, bamboo is growing secret ongoing care and love. Must be patient, make sure the irrigation time every time, although apparently it does not work

[True Religion Jeans Outlet]

Cheerfulness is the best promoter of health.

[Dawie Horn]

To all my friends.........this is so awesum, I had to share it with you..........never give up......the roots are being formed.