ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

Two seeds lay side by side in the fertile spring soil.

The first seed said, “I want to grow. I want to send

my roots deep into the soil under me, and send my

sprouts through the earth’s layer above me. I want

to open my tender buds 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 face in the dark. If I push

my way through the hard soil above me I may

damage my delicate sprouts. If I open my little buds

a snail may eat them. If I open my blossoms, a small

child may pull me from the ground. No. It is better

for me to wait until it is safe.” She waited and waited.

A yard hen scratching around in the early spring for

food found the waiting seed and promptly ate it.