This post is part inspiration and part revelation.

You may or may not have read this wonderful fable*, as it is all over the internet, but its power and truth never age.

Donkey in the Well

One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried pitifully for hours as the farmer tried to figure out how to get it out. Finally, he decided that animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn’t worth it to save the donkey.

He invited all 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 was astonished at what he saw.

With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey 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. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed to see the donkey step up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL:
People are going to shovel dirt on you; all kinds of dirt. The trick is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone to a new level of success. We can get out of the deepest wells by never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred – Forgive.

2. Free your mind from worries – Most of it never happen.

3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less from people but more from God.

Prayer

My Lord and my God! How sick and tired I am of people throwing dirt on me or trying to make me feel badly! Sometimes I want to throw it back! Sometimes I think that would make me feel better, but it really never has. Help me to not only honor You, but everybody else, too. Help me to forgive those who have hurt me. Help me to have such a heart full of love that I want to not only forgive them, but to bless them. I was once Your enemy and You didn't seek to bury me in dirt. Help me to treat others as You treat me. In Jesus' holy name, amen.

* Many thanks to the person who originally wrote this wonderful fable. God bless you!