A while back, when I was going through the Pickle Debacle, a friend emailed me a story. I’d never heard it before, but just the title (Carrots, eggs or coffee?), I instantly knew: Coffee. I’m an addict to the stuff. As I read, I grew to love this friend of mine for not offering me encouraging words, or a shoulder to cry on, but telling me she saw me as someone who would only get better in the face of adversity- as someone who would change others for the better.
Sure… I’m a bit unconventional, and if you’ve never heard your child referred to as something akin to a circus freakshow you may think I lean the way of PC-gone-mad, but there are many of us out there who get stronger with each passing day. Who grow more resilient and passionate when strung up over the heat. Those of us with convictions that cannot be shattered by faceless threats. Thank you D. for your love, support and for this story that has stick with me through all of the darkest days.
Grandmother says… Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee; “Which are you?”
A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose. Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, “Tell me what do you see?”
“Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” she replied.
She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they got soft.She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma.The granddaughter then asked. “What’s the point,grandmother?”
Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity–boiling water–but each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.
The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.“Which are you?” she asked her granddaughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?”
Think of this: Which am I?
Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level?
—AUTHOR UNKNOWN —
Sincerely,
I love that story. So very inspiring. xoxo
Isn’t it?
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Find The Right Size Confidence and Get Back in the Game
Beautiful Chelley! After all of these years, I think I can say… I’m a bean. Although every situation is different as is my reaction.
I think that’s how we need to be- ever changing and cautious, for sure <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Find The Right Size Confidence and Get Back in the Game
Chelley, this is such a great lesson. So inspiring. I’ve been a carrot in the past, an egg too….but I’ve grown to become a coffee bean …and I’m loving it!
@JackieHennesse1 recently posted…You know you need a juice fast when…
We all start off one way… the important thing is that you’ve become such an amazing bean 🙂
What a perfect life lesson. I may have morphed from one to another in my lifetime, but I know I’m a bean through and through. I will share this, too… xo
Sharon – MomGenerations.com recently posted…Grid Foam Roller – makes it hurt so good
You are the leader of the beans!!!
Beautiful story Chelley as usual:)! I think I am a coffee bean now!
You certainly are, Melissa!
Awww, I had never heard this story before. I love it. I am going to say I am a coffee bean 🙂
I agree!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Find The Right Size Confidence and Get Back in the Game
This is so beautiful! It really makes you think, what do I think I am, hmmm I guess it depends on the day?
I get that!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Find The Right Size Confidence and Get Back in the Game
I’ve heard this story before and I think it’s a wonderful reminder to help be the change and not let our lives change us. I’m definitely coffee!
A great reminder, for sure!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Find The Right Size Confidence and Get Back in the Game
That was a fun one. I am all three. Sometimes the carrot, sometimes the egg, and sometimes the coffee. Sometimes, I think I may be all three in one situation as my emotions change.
Scarlet recently posted…YNAB Budgeting Software and App Makes Creating And Tracking A Budget Easy
Amen to that!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Find The Right Size Confidence and Get Back in the Game
What a neat story. I love the analogy! Everyone faces trials, no matter who you are. This is such a great why to put things into perspective. Thanks!
Deborah A. recently posted…Tips to Help Keep Kids Safe
It is, fr sure.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Find The Right Size Confidence and Get Back in the Game
Wow! I actually don’t even know how to respond. This is such an inspirational story. I like to think I’m the coffee bean. I am always trying to find ways to better a bad situation. It’s easy to become like the carrot or egg though if you aren’t careful, depending on the situation that arises.
You are totally coffee!!!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Find The Right Size Confidence and Get Back in the Game
This was an eye opening story – thank you for sharing! I honestly have to say that I’m egg and coffee but would like to be a lot more coffee.
Lisa recently posted…Open Season: Scared Silly Comes to Blu-ray and DVD
We all are eggs sometimes <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Find The Right Size Confidence and Get Back in the Game
What a lovely story. I would have to say I’m the coffee bean.
Janis @MommyBlogExpert recently posted…8 Halloween Costume Online Contests to Win Great Prizes for US & Canada Residents
<3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Find The Right Size Confidence and Get Back in the Game
What a beautiful story and I’m so glad you shared it! I’d have to say that I am definitely a coffee bean.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins recently posted…Spruce Up Your Home for the Holidays with Wendell August
You rock!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Find The Right Size Confidence and Get Back in the Game
You always have a way of making me think! Your posts are so deep, meaningful and heartfelt. I think I am a combination of all three at times.
Amy D recently posted…The Best Shortcut Pumpkin Pie Recipe!
Aw, thank you. And I am, too. I would love to be just coffee, though… for sure!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Find The Right Size Confidence and Get Back in the Game
Lovely story! I’d probably say I’m more of the coffee bean. Something to think about for sure.
Sarah recently posted…Tuscan Herb Dipping Oil Recipe! Great Way To Wow Your Guests!
I think you are, too!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Find The Right Size Confidence and Get Back in the Game