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SHAKE IT OFF... And Step Up An old mule fell into a farmer's well. The farmer heard all the braying and carefully assessed the situation. While he sympathized with the mule, he decided neither the well nor the mule was worth saving. He decided to bury the mule to put him out of his misery. As the farmer began to shovel dirt into the well, the mule became hysterical! (Who wouldn't in that situation???) Suddenly it dawned on the mule that every time a load landed on his back, he should shake it off and step up! |
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No matter how painful the load of dirt or how distressful the situation seemed, the old mule fought off panic and just kept right on "shaking it off and stepping up"! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of the well to freedom! What seemed likely to bury him, actually blessed him and it was all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity. That's life! If we face our problems by responding to them positively, and refusing to give into panic, bitterness, or self-pity, then the adversities that come along to bury us, usually have within them the potential to benefit and bless us. Faith, prayer, praise, and hope are all excellent ways to climb out of the wells in which we find ourselves. Remember...shake it off...and step up! (see Romans 5:3-5) |
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© 2001 Northwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA |
