The Chinese Bamboo Tree

Like any other  plant, to flourish the Chinese Bamboo Tree requires nurturing – water, fertile soil, sunshine. In the first year, there are no visible signs of activity or development. In the second year, again, no growth above the soil. And the third and fourth, still no signs. 

Finally in the fifth year – voila! There is growth…and what growth it is! The Chinese Bamboo Tree grows 80 feet (nearly 30m) in just six weeks!

One has to believe that the tree is growing in all those years where they see nothing on the ground. Patience should be weaved into the process, imagine watering the same spot for years when you see nothing above ground. It takes a certain degree of wisdom to understand that just because we do not see the tree with our physical eyes it doesn't mean it is not growing and developing. (This is at the core of walking by Faith not by sight) 

So the question is: Does the Chinese Bamboo Tree really grow 80 feet in six weeks? Did it lie dormant for four years only to grow exponentially in the fifth? Or, was the little tree growing underground, developing a root system and a stable base strong enough to support its potential for outward growth in the fifth year and beyond?

The truth is the bamboo tree does not grow in six weeks but in five long years. The truth in this statement is somewhat puzzling and confusing but it is accurate. Things take time and sometimes more time than we are willing to wait. Today I want to use the "parable" of the Chinese bamboo tree to remind you that waiting it out is better than giving up. 

At times we want instant results, we try to take shortcuts without realizing that there is an incredible miracle in the process. Whatever you want in this life you can have it, only if you are willing to be consistent and patient. 

If the tree had not developed a strong unseen foundation, it could not have sustained its life as it grew.If the farmer had given up before the 5 years, she would never see the tree grow to its full potential. How many things did you give up on too soon? All those things were in a unique process of manifestation, maybe if you waited a little longer you would have got your desired end. 

A wise men once said "The reason your life is this way, is because you gave up where someone waited just a little longer". The art of waiting is one not many people master in their lifetime, this is the unfortunate truth. 

Just as a building ought to have a strong foundation to survive. The same principle is true for people, success and your  career. People work towards their dreams and goals, building strong character while overcoming adversity and challenge, grow the strong internal foundation to handle success, while those who chase the “quick buck” are unable to sustain unearned sudden wealth. Remember the old saying: “Out of adversity comes opportunity.”? 

My whole point is that there is great power in waiting ;Your life is not going the way you would like.? Just give it time. Many of us have robbed ourselves by our failure to have patience, we want overnight results. Remember that if you get to the top overnight, you fall will just be as fast. WHATEVER your dream or vision is, it will not come to pass if you give in.

The Chinese Bamboo Tree is a perfect parable to our own experience with personal growth and change. And change is never easy. Often, signs of progress are slow, frustrating and unrewarding at times.

But it is so worth it, especially if we can be patient and persistent. Every great thing or person you see today was developed through patience. Storms will come and they will pass, just wait. Take losing weight as an example. Most people are so motivated and fired up to want to lose the extra fat in their bodies. They bought the running shoe and also signed up for a gym class.

However, after a while, it could be a few weeks or months later, they started to lose hope for their goals and lose their steam too.As a result, they tend to put in less effort. And as time went through, they forgot about their goals and eventually got busy with other things in their lives.

Lessons from the (Chinese) bamboo tree;

1.Success does not happen overnight. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. 

2.True Success requires a strong foundation for it to be sustainable. 

3.Success is rooted in consistency. 

4.Dont forget to nurture your dreams /visions. 

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