As I recuperate over the next several months, I have a little extra time to think about the important things. Some of the folks who come to visit are actually going through times much tougher than my broken ankle. This parable has been around for a long time but the lesson is timeless. It seems especially appropriate for me personally, so I hope you will enjoy it and pass it along to someone who needs to hear it.
Ron
The Mule In The Well, or
Shake it off and step up
This is a story about the persistence of an old mule. Sometimes when things look hopeless, it is shear persistence that can save the day. In fact, of all the qualities that can see you through tough times, persistence might be unmatched. Here’s the story…
There was a farmer who owned an old mule and one day that mule fell into a dried out, abandoned water well. After assessing the situation carefully, the farmer reluctantly concluded that neither the mule nor the well was worth saving. He wasn’t happy about it, but what else could he do?
For the mule, the future’s not looking very hopeful
So, the farmer called his neighbors together and enlisted them to help him bury the old mule right there in the well and put him out of his misery.
Initially the old mule was frantic, but as the dirt kept hitting his back, something happened. It dawned on the mule that every time a shovel load landed on his back, he should shake it off and step up! And that’s exactly what he did. Blow after blow that old mule would shake off the dirt and step up…shake it off and step up.
Persistence might just save the day!
No matter how painful the blows or how distressing the situation, the old mule fought the urge to panic and just kept right on shaking off the dirt and stepping up! It took awhile, but eventually his persistence began to pay of because with each step he was moving up ever so slightly.
Before long, the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly through the mouth of that well. What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him…all because of how he demonstrated persistence in the face of adversity.
When things start to look hopeless, choose persistence!
Such is life. If we face our problems and respond to them positively, refusing to surrender to panic, bitterness, or self-pity, the adversities that come along to bury us usually possess the potential to benefit us, but it’s only through persistence that we can realize that potential.
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” ~ Calvin Coolidge
(This passage and many other similar versions are readily available via the INTERNET)
Here is my inspiration for this message:
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Heb 13:5 NIV2 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you never will I forsake you.”
Matt 19:26 NIV2 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
The Atlanta Woodworking Show
A million thanks to everyone who stopped by and wish us well. Especially to Sweet Janice, my son Christopher and grandson Mason. They stepped up and pulled the load when I couldn't. Chris demonstrated texturing for three days straight. I didn't even think he was paying attention before this. The folks at Peachtree Woodworking Supply have been wonderfully helpful throught all of this and we greatly appreciat it.
I'm still on major pain medicine so it is difficult to focus mentally. I am another couple of months away from being able to put any weight on my ankle so that is extremely limiting as you can imagine. I'm trying to rest and let the healing run its course and not re-injure a very bad brake. I'm told the tenons will take much longer to heal than the broken bone. Oh joy.
We have so much exciting new stuff planned for this summer, it will have to wait a bit longer. We should have a very exciting fall to look forward to. Thanks for you support.
Ron
I have prepared a very short video showing a typical texturing demonstration which I do for audiences at The Woodworking Shows each weekend this time of year. Although I’ve done many thousands of these, they never get old. I hope you enjoy this three and a half minute video.
Short Texturing Video (3-1/2 min)
Here is a quick tour of our Woodworking Show Booth for 2017. Hope you will come see us when we come to a city near you. https://youtu.be/2Owz3p3axzY
I check email when I'm on the road twice a day. The office phone, not so much. The other office staff have been instructed not to answer questions they are not equiped to handle.
Available again May 2017? As the ankle permits.
I continue to receive many questions about when this family of items will be available for purchase. The answer is after the show season is over and I can focus on manufacturing it. We are currently accepting First-Come, First Served reservations at www.ronbrownsbest.com. No money is due until your reservation is confirmed some time in April 2017. After I get a handle on those first, I'll list it on the web site for general purchase.
We appreciate your interest and will notify you via the newsletter and the web site when you may place your order. Thanks again.
Ron and Janice Brown
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