I found a parable recently that probably applies to most of us at one time or another in our lives.  Like so many things online, I was unable to locate the original author.  Please feel free to make note if you know who it was.

Parables have always spoken to me.  I especially like this one, because the ending is so unexpected.  It reminds me to always keep my mind open for new possibilites.

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The Farmer and the Donkey

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One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway-it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all of his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement, he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer looked down the well, expecting the worst. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something incredible. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Soon, everyone was shocked as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Heh heh...I showed you!

Heh heh…I showed you!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up!

How about you?  When have you been the donkey at the mercy of the Jack-Ass farmer?  What are some ways you’ve overcome your troubles?