We all require sound advice on occasion. And many of us seek comfort from our grandparents when attempting to weather one of life’s storms. In this widely shared Internet parable, a grandmother imparts some straightforward advice to her granddaughter.
Even though the author of this piece is unknown, everyone can appreciate the universal truth in their words.
Beginning the story, a young woman visits her grandmother. The way her life is progressing has caused her anxiety. Her grandmother responds by producing a carrot, some eggs, and some coffee…
“A young woman told her grandmother about her life and how difficult things were for her. She did not know how she would survive and desired to give up. She was exhausted from fighting and battling. As soon as one issue was resolved, a new one appeared.
The woman’s grandmother led her to the kitchen. She placed each of the three water-filled pots on a high fire. The pots soon reached a boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second, eggs, and in the final, coffee grounds. She allowed them to simmer without saying a word.”
“In approximately twenty minutes, she turned off the stove burners. She extracted the carrots and deposited them in a bowl. The eggs were then removed and placed in a bowl. Then she poured the coffee into a bowl using a ladle.
Turning to her daughter, she inquired, “What do you notice?” She responded with “carrots, eggs, and coffee.” ”
“She drew her closer and requested that she touch the carrots. She observed that they were soft. She then instructed her to crack an egg.
After removing the egg’s shell, she observed the egg’s interior. Finally, she requested that she drink the coffee. The daughter smiled as she savored the fragrant flavor.
The granddaughter then asked, “Grandmother, what does it mean?” Her grandmother explained that each of these objects reacted differently to the same adversity, boiling water.
The carrot entered with force, vigor, and determination. However, after being exposed to boiling water, it became softer and more fragile.
Fragile had been the egg. Its liquid interior was protected by its thin exterior. However, after sitting in boiling water, its interior hardened.”
“However, the ground coffee beans were exceptional. After being placed in the boiling water, the water was replaced.
Her granddaughter was asked, “Which are you?” How do you respond when adversity knocks at your door? “Are you a carrot, egg, or coffee bean?”
“Consider this: What am I? Am I the carrot that appears to be robust, but with pain and difficulty? Do I wilt, become weak, and lose my vigor?”
“Am I the egg with a malleable heart that transforms when heated? Was my spirit once fluid, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship, or another trial, have I become rigid? “Does my exterior look the same, but am I bitter and abrasive on the inside, with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?”
“Am I similar to a coffee bean? The actual cause of the pain is the hot water. When water is heated, it releases the aroma and taste of your life.
If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst you improve and alter your environment. When the hours are the darkest and the trials are the most difficult, do you ascend to a higher level?”
This story prompted me to consider what I am when confronted with adversity. Which is it? A carrot, egg, or cup of coffee?
Share this fable with your family and friends!