Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck the mule. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, he should shake it off and step up! This he did, blow after blow. "Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on shaking off the dirt and stepping up.
It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well. What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him, all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
That's life. If we face our problems and
respond to them positively, and refuse to
give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity,
the adversities that come along to bury us
usually have within them the potential to
benefit and bless us. Remember that
forgiveness, faith, prayer, praise and hope
are all excellent ways to "shake it off and
step up" out of the wells in which we find
ourselves.
