“One day a farmer’s donkey fell down a dry 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 him to retrieve 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 finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. 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. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
Moral of the story?
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 by not stopping…never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.”
Thanks to Jerry Goldman and Linda Fisher for this inspirational story.
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Note and confession: OK. There’s actually an extra punchline to this, but I decided to post it the way it is now since this way it provides a nice reminder that there’s always something we can do – even in the darkest moments. It also reminds us that where we might at first glance see nothing but a stupid donkey, we could be missing something truly amazing.
Oh…and also don’t be so quick to shovel dirt on your problems! See what you might be able to learn from them. Then look for the most generous and compassionate solution you can find. This way you won’t wind up looking like an ass!
Awww…how could I resist? (-;
(In case you’re curious, I’ve posted the whole thing with original punchline on my Work Coach Just for Laughs page.)
August 3, 2007 at 11:30 am |
This is an excellent story with such a good lesson to it. We can all learn so much from this donkey. Life will throw dirt on us occasionally, if we can shake it off and deal with the situation we will find ourselves standing a little higher than we were before.
thank you for sharing this.
Bill
August 3, 2007 at 12:14 pm |
I know you speak from personal experience. Hey everyone…I’m not calling him a donkey! I’ve been to Bill’s blog and he is certainly someone we can learn from. Thanks for the lovely comment, Bill!
August 4, 2007 at 12:20 pm |
How true Ronnie. I love that you have posted this, it is a matter of perception. I know that can sound trite at times, but the thing is, it is also empowering as we can control our perception which can be vitally important when everything else appears out of control.
August 6, 2007 at 10:52 pm |
Thanks for your blog. It is a simple story but a truly meaningful and you can learn out of it. I agree with what you said, that life maybe full of trails and challenges. That most of the time, we easily want to give up. But like your story why dont we shake it off that dirt, and learn to step forward.Maybe I can say im one of those who turn back problems, im maybe one of those whose easily frightened when im encountering some obstacles in life. I wish, im just like courageous like the Donkey to just shake off all the trials. Despite of that, i still believe that there something good effect all the pain, trials and problem that arises. We become more strong, courageous and our faith in God strengthen more.
I love your post…..
God bless
August 7, 2007 at 9:54 am |
Thanks Rhosie! Nice to see you again. This story really spoke to me. Glad it did to you too. So many of us our frightened by obstacles in life. You are not alone. Nice to be reminded that there’s always another way of looking at things! (-;
August 7, 2007 at 9:30 pm |
Your welcome………. i just want you to know that im learning out of your post…. And im starting to realized things that i migth just ignore…. Keep writing and inspiring us… God Bless