Face Difficulties Positively

Morning Story and Dilbert

Vintage Dilbert
July 19, 1989

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.

Author Unknown - Please comment if you know the author
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19 comments
  1. forestmtnhike said:

    What an amazing parable! Thank you for sharing it with us.

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  2. “He heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into holes.” Lol! Great post.

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  3. "Working for Christ" said:

    Excellent story! Thanks for sharing, Kenny T! 🙂 Dave

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  4. peak10 said:

    A great way to start the morning. Thank you!!

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  5. For us, the other side of that wall is heaven, and this parable shows us how to get there. Have great weekend. God bless!

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  6. Great story! I wonder what happened to the people, after seeing that the animal they were trying to bury was now standing in front of them.

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  7. This parable has always brought me inspiration. Thank you for sharing with us, and I pray we all learn it’s lessons.

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  8. Mark said:

    I’ve always loved this parable. It’s been a while since I’ve heard it. Thanks for sharing. It’s a lesson we can all learn from.

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  9. Have to add my two cents worth of praise for this parable. What great imagery for facing life’s challenges. Thank you, Kenny!

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  10. I almost always read Dilbert too. This one just makes me laugh. I love play on words. Reminded me of Mr. Nobody who lived at our house.

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  11. Sandy said:

    This is something I needed to see–thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

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