Risking

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 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 encountering 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 ties 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 to wait here 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.

Patty Hansen

Moral of the story:

Life swallows those of us who refuse to risk and grow up.