The Tree

The TreennnSometimes we need to take a moment and separate ourselves from all of the cares and concerns of the world, to step back and see how we were meant to be. Each one of us was born to grow, prosper and multiply. nnThink of a tree, a living tree. A tree naturally prospers, it naturally gives so many things…it gives shelter for animals, homes for the squirrels, beautiful fragrant blossoms, seeds to the birds, shade for picnics and children. You can probably think of so many more things.nnA tree is naturally born to grow. It reaches out, stretches to the sky. The roots burrow deep into the soil to take in water and nutrients. The branches reach out into the sky to take in the warm sunlight. The tree doesn’t try to grow, it just grows. The tree next to it doesn’t say, ‘You can’t do that’, the tree just grows. nnThe young green leaves reach to the sky with excitement, beauty and youth. The blossoms rich yellow and white attract the bees and ants. All are profiting from the youthful accelerated growth.nnThe tree’s food is under his feet. His energy is from the sun. Everything he needs is all around him. No struggles, no toil, no fear.nnA tree listens to the wind and is shaped by the wind. The tree corrects its shape for the wind and grows stronger.nnA tree’s has a ‘good day’ every day. He just keeps growing, new leaves, new blossoms, new fruit. When he gets more sunshine, water and nutrients he grows that much quicker and healthier. He just keeps taking in the good.nnEverything the tree does prospers. The tree is valuable for all of the wonderful things that it does. Most importantly, the tree is valuable for just being a tree, a beautiful creation. The tree is perfect and complete in itself. The tree just continues to do what it does naturally which is to grow, prosper and multiply. There are all kinds of trees and they are all intended for good.nnIn drought the tree roots dig deeper for the moisture within the earth. It doesn’t give up.nnWhen a tree’s path is blocked what does he do? He grows around it. His prosperity continues. The scars on the tree speak to its strength and perseverance. nnAs the tree looks down around his branches he sees the hundreds of seedlings of future generations. Every year the tree is planting new seeds, his life is purposefully multiplied.nnIf a tree is cut down there are no worries. New sprouts shoot up again and he grows tender new branches. The cut wood is made into lumber to provide shelter for warm homes with laughter inside.nnThe dark rains cover the tree but for a season. The rains wash the tree clean. The tree roots soak up the water. More nutrients are gathered and new buds spring forth.nnThe tree is alive! The tree continues to do what it was created to do- grow, prosper and multiply.nnDoes a tree have wisdom and understanding? What does it understand we don’t? What would the tree say to us? Would he invite us to join him to grow, prosper and multiply?nnAs the tree gets older are his glory days in the past? No, he continues to prosper every day. Just as always, he rests in the winter and grows in the summer. A tree knows his seasons. He knows when to spring forth. He knows when to rest. As he is older, he still provides homes for the squirrels and branches for the butterflies to light upon. As the years move on the tree takes his place among the honored elders and stands tall with respect. nnEven if a raging fire devours the tree the ashes from the tree provide food for a new generation of trees. The tree always succeeds in producing good no matter what happens to it. When the tree has had a long healthy life he dies and gracefully returns to dust. And the dust patiently helps to secure a new generation of trees. nnnJust for fun have a friend close their eyes and you read this story to your friend. Allow them to soak in the beauty of their tree.nAs you go out today, take a new look at a tree and think on these things to brighten your day. nnCopyright 2008 nn