Growing up we had a lot of trees in our garden where various kinds of birds often perched. So, my younger brother and I took up an interest in bird watching.
One of the birds that fascinated me the most was the woodpecker. I found its incessant pecking on tree barks ridiculous.
One day, my dad caught my brother and I laughing at the woodpecker from our second floor window and asked what was so funny. His following remarks changed my life forever.
He said, “Sons, just because the woodpecker rams its beak into a tree doesn’t mean it’s stupid. That action actually sharpens its beak and helps create a hold in the tree where it could lay its eggs. That’s why it keeps pecking at it”.
Similarly, in life some things require persistence. Even though it might not make sense to others, just like the woodpecker, you too are trying to secure your future. That, my dad knew all along.
Advice Papa Gave Me written by: Chukwuemeka Anyiam-Osigwe
Photo Credit: Chukwuemeka Anyiam-Osigwe