Article from Jordan’s Journal, Age 8, June 2008
I have a story to tell you about this fern, but before I do, I have to first explain a few things that the picture doesn’t show. To begin with, it might appear from the photo that the fern is growing in a pathway on the ground, but it’s not. Actually, the fern isn’t anywhere near the ground. I took this picture on the roof of our house. (Dad let me come up for a minute while he was cleaning the gutters.) I found this fern growing out of our brick chimney!
Believe me when I tell you I know a few things about ferns because I am really interested in plants and botany. One thing I know is that ferns don’t normally grow sideways between bricks in the sun. Their natural habitat isn’t on the roof either. Usually, ferns like to grow in the shade, right side up in moist dirt. They prefer even old stumps in the forest to bricks out in the open.
I immediately liked this fern. It had attitude. It was feisty. And if plants could have faith, this fern had the noticeable kind.
Here’s what I believe the fern was telling me:
Do not tell me I can’t grow here because I am.
Yes, I work harder at it.
No, it doesn’t bother me if I never get as big as those who have it easier.
Others can live on the ground if they want to.
I prefer the view up here.
I don’t care if people see me or not.
Their thoughts won’t make a difference anyway.
Yes, I know others tried to grow here and didn’t make it,
But I’m not them—I’m me.
I’m not only making it, I’m thriving!
Of course the sun is hotter than I’d like sometimes.
The sprinkler doesn’t reach me on the roof.
But God sees where I am, and it rains just enough.
Watch me grow! I’m doing it!
Please don’t tell me I could be much more if I was planted somewhere else.
I am right where God put me.
When you are feeling cramped,
And it takes all you have just to grow,
Think of me!
If I can do it, so can you!
UPDATE 10/2013: I went on the roof last week (5 years later), and the fern is STILL THERE!
