Good Luck Amos

An old Opossum was taking shelter during a pouring rain storm with her good friend Amos, a Fox. The two were sheltering underneath a nice bush with dense, waxy leaves that kept the rain at bay while the two friends had tea and discussed their big goals for the days ahead.

“I don’t know if this is achievable or not,” said Amos, “But I’d like to build a ladder to the very top of the old pine tree.”

The old pine tree was the tallest tree in the forest. Its pointy top poked up and looked out over all the other trees like it was the first to wake up from a nap. Only the birds had ever visited the very top of the old pine tree and the stories they would tell about the view and the amenities made it sound like the most magnificent place on earth.

“Well everything is achievable if you try hard,” the Old Opposum answered, “That’s probably the most important thing I’ve learned while being alive.”

“That’s pretty good advice,” Amos agreed.

“Of course, it may take a long time” the Old Opposum added, “Could take months, years, maybe more, but still just try hard”

This gave Amos pause. He didn’t know if he had the patience to try hard AND wait years to achieve his goal. That seemed like it was a bit much. You should have to try hard OR wait years to achieve your goals. But, both? That seems like a flaw in our society.

“Well, let’s say I try really hard, like extra hard,” Amos wondered, “Then it wouldn’t take months or years to achieve my goal, right? Then it would probably only take like a weekend or so… right?”

The old Opposum had been in Amos’ shoes before. She knew there was absolutely nothing she could say that would placate Amos and make her feel better about doing hard work for a long time. But she didn’t want to discourage her either.

“Sure, maybe that would work.” the Old Opposum said, “But also remember, as long as you start working, and work consistently, you’re always closer to your goal than you ever were before.”

Amos was pleased with this advice. With some really hard work, he could definitely build a ladder all the way to the top of the old pine tree in a matter of months, easy!

“Well, I’m going to get right to work then!” Amos exclaimed, just as the rains stopped and the clouds parted, “Thanks for spending the rain with me, Mabel, you’re fun to talk to and give great advice! I’m off to spend the next few months building a ladder to the top of the old pine tree!”

As Amos walked away whistling a hopeful tune, Mabel, the old Opposum felt a twinge of guilt. She knew she had just given Amos the confidence to toil away towards his life goal for years upon years into the future. She knew that though unfair, hard work AND time were the way society worked. But the illusion that things can come together quickly is the beginning of any good work.

Good luck Amos.