One hot, sunny day a farmer’s donkey fell down a deep, dark well. For hours on end the poor donkey cried out in pain and distress as the aimless farmer tried to think of a way to get the donkey out.
Eventually he came to the conclusion that the poor donkey was really rather old and not worth saving in the grand scheme of things. 
What is more, he also decided to use this sad turn of events to his advantage by covering over the well. So, he invited all of his neighbors over to help him cover the well and put the aging donkey out of its misery. Dutifully the other farmers dropped by the well, grabbed a shovel and slowly began to shovel dirt down into the well.
Naturally, the donkey realized what was happening and cried out terribly in panic and despair. Until, that is, he quickly quieted down much to their amazement looked up at them almost knowingly. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would simply shake it off and take another step upwards.
As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the clever donkey, he happily continued to shake it off and take another step upwards and onwards. Before too long, the donkey had risen so high that he easily stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off as if nothing had happened.
Life is much like the donkey’s story of survival. We’re going to get a lot of dirt shoveled over us, but keep in mind the story of that old donkey; simply shake it off and keep on going. Difficulties and obstacles in life are nothing more than stepping stones. We can get out of the deepest, darkest wells simply by being tenacious and taking one more step.
4 Comments
Bravo, Diana! Yes, while we all attempt to become like Jesus or like Buddha, there is to keep in mind that we are human, and we will err. But not to give up. I loved the story of the donkey.
I love the story too, Heather. We don’t have to be really good or strong or smart, we just need to keep on keepin’ on, as the dated adage goes.
Hi D,
That was a great story. We don’t have to be young, strong, smart, or brave, but if we are looking for what we need outside of ourselves we will always be lacking because everything we need is within, God said!! As the donkey proved, sometimes we need a little help from a friend. Thanks for sharing this website, you are facilitating good stuff, as always.
Hey Ellen. Words of wisdom from one who’s been shoveled on. You are one positive person!