Two seeds lay side by side in the fertile
soil.
The first seed said, "I want to grow!
I want to send my roots deep into the soil
beneath me, and thrust my sprouts through
the earth's crust above me ... I want to unfurl
my tender buds like banners to announce the
arrival of spring ... I want to feel the warmth
of the sun on my face and the blessing of
the morning dew on my petals!"
And so she grew...
The second seed said, "I am afraid.
If I send my roots into the ground below,
I don't know what I will encounter in the
dark. If I push my way through the hard soil
above me I may damage my delicate sprouts
... what if I let my buds open and a snail
tries to eat them? And if I were to open my
blossoms, a small child may pull me from the
ground. No, it is much better for me to wait
until it is safe."
And so she waited...
A yard hen scratching around
in the early spring ground for food found
the waiting seed and promptly ate it.
Moral
of the Story ... Those
of us who refuse to risk and grow get swallowed
up by life.