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Face Difficulties Positively

This parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into wells.

After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together, told them what had happened, and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD 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 how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF 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 helped 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.

Author Unknown

{ 174 comments… add one }
  • Wisdom September 3, 2023, 7:33 am

    Awesome

  • Anom Raphael August 29, 2022, 5:53 pm

    Get me to the faith of this life oh God

  • Michael Oti Wiredu September 19, 2021, 1:55 am

    This website is a blessing.

  • Neil B. June 24, 2020, 10:52 am

    I stumbled upon this website years ago as I was trying to prepare to go back to college, after being out for nearly 27 years. I have used these stories in church meetings, in hope they would give as much inspiration as they have given me. The story about the glass of milk brings tears to my eyes every time. This story is much more humorous, but provides some common sense approach to the way we approach life’s trials. May you truly be blessed in those that are putting out these stories. They are life changing!!!! Thanks

  • Mangala Ullal June 4, 2020, 1:09 am

    This story inspires everyone. We are so tired with all problems that we tend to give up. Such stories boost our spirit

  • Ignatius Ihugo April 1, 2020, 10:09 pm

    How we responded to situations determines our outcome.a very inspiring story.

  • Divya January 20, 2019, 1:54 am

    Very inspiring story …… Helped me a lot
    #hats off to the author

    • Raveendra K S June 2, 2019, 7:02 am

      May every mule is helped !

  • bujjinamburi July 23, 2017, 9:02 am

    superb it was nice to read

  • Tim March 23, 2017, 2:33 am

    The story is actually coinciding with what am facing in life,but am definitely inspired.Thanks a million….

  • shweta November 22, 2016, 1:01 pm

    Wonderful story .very motivational

  • soul October 18, 2016, 4:26 am

    Wow..very inspiring.. Been negative still childhood lost self respect no family non friends this story really inspire me

  • Jude October 3, 2016, 10:14 am

    Amazing# positive# real motivating stories

  • rakesh September 11, 2016, 6:45 am

    very gud story

  • meghraj gautam February 25, 2016, 3:56 am

    wow nice…

  • jenny December 11, 2015, 6:25 am

    i like the story
    i want to be the old mule

  • Mhynne December 11, 2015, 12:38 am

    Wow its nice,!

  • Liyakat Aly October 22, 2015, 8:37 am

    Very true! As positive thinking elevates all the problamatic stuff out of our mind.

  • Habil October 11, 2015, 7:23 am

    This is superb story,
    Really inspiring me

  • Jamie Bowden October 9, 2015, 5:21 pm

    Amen Amen Amen! Absolutely awesome!

  • St. Aar'z kc (Santaraj) September 18, 2015, 6:22 am

    That was just so..so..so inspiring. I’m inspired. Thanks author. 🙂

  • IYAJI SEIDU June 3, 2015, 11:09 pm

    NEVER GIVEUP.

  • Sreelakshmi May 2, 2015, 10:45 am

    Always think positively, we have to overcome troubles…

  • Isabelita pagcaliwagan February 23, 2015, 1:40 am

    Having difficulties, trials, problems, burdens and etc… are really a part of life and we cannot exclude it. but if you know that God is with you in everyday of your life, you will have the courage to face any hindrances in life..

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