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Grindstone of Glory

Festina Lente

 “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.”    -   Leo Tolstoi

                In your quest for excellence, remember speed is not everything. Persistence and perseverance are essentials in learning any art. So hear the words of the wise: festina lente – make haste slowly.

                When I was a five-year old child, I planted a pineapple stalk. For my five-years of experience, days are as long as months. Thus I was bewildered why the stalk did not bear fruit after a week.

                So I approached my grandfather and asked, “Lolo, why has there no pineapple fruit yet?  I planted it three days ago.”

                “My dear, the pineapple won’t bear fruit so suddenly. You must be patient. First it must have some roots.”

                “Why?”

                “Well, child, plant needs roots to grow.”

                “In that case, Lolo, I’ll wait for it to have roots.”
                My grandfather parting advice was, “Remember dear, have patience.”

                So with a child’s persistence I checked my pineapple every morning. At last, I went back to my grandfather after a few days of non-evidence of growth. I pestered him with question.

                At last he lost patience and asked me:

                “Do you water it everyday?”

                “Of course , Lolo! I want it to grow fast so I water it well.”

                “Then you have no cause to worry. It’s growing unseen.”

                “Lolo, I’m sure it’s not growing.”

                “Apo, it may not be growing leaves or fruits but I’m positive it’s growing roots.”
                “But Lolo, it’s not growing roots.”

                “Why are so sure child.”

                “Lolo, it’s so simple. I uproot it everyday and see whether there’s. And I tell you there’s none.”

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