THE TREE
I have come to recognize the trees on my regular walking routes as being my static companions. I have always been fascinated with these beautiful structures. On Monday, as I came to the most distant point of my circuit; the tree that marked this milestone had been invaded. There were six men in its branches and around its gigantic stem. Some of the men were armed with chainsaws and my heart ached.
It got me thinking about trees and the parallels they share with humankind:
We all need foundations for survival. The trees echo this in their roots which anchor them throughout their lives. Without these strong root structures, the tree would not exist. The roots provide much needed nutrients; water which sustains them and minerals which ensure the tree’s growth and strength. Where are our foundations?
We all need vision in our lives. A tree grows towards the sunlight. It knows its source of energy. The sunlight provides vitamins for its leaves to make chlorophyll. Sunlight communicates the seasons to the tree; telling it when to rest (winter) and when to grow (spring), when to flower and when to wait. Sunlight too is one of the main ingredients for its survival. In our own lives, there is a time for everything; where do we get our guidance?
The growth of the tree depends on it keeping itself balanced. It sends out both roots and branches to this end. Balance enables it to continue its life and reach its full potential. Without balance in our own lives – physical, emotional, spiritual, social, work, etc – our lives will fall apart. What is the answer to maintaining our own equilibrium?
The tree enables other life; giving freely to the creatures which rely on it. It also provides oxygen to man and absorbs carbon dioxide. It hosts a myriad of creatures in its branches and is indeed an entire exosystem. Birds rest there, ants make their home in its bark, so too do spiders, scorpions, slugs and other creatures. Even the insects depend on its existence. How do we support our own world?
The tree is so finely tuned into its environment. It receives from it and supports it. It doesn’t adorn itself with clutter and filigree. It takes only what it needs. Where does our own human greed leave us?
Remember too that the tree germinated from a tiny seed. Some seeds are so small, but they grow into structures which are magnified millions of times. In order for the seed to germinate, it was necessary for the seed to die. It shriveled up first, then a miracle happened and the green shoot and small root appeared. How did our spiritual lives begin and to what degree do they grow whilst in this world?
As I watched those chainsaws tackle their task of demolishing that huge tree, I said a silent prayer of thanks – for the provision of the tree and for the lesson it taught me. I am thankful for the shade it provided and for the creatures it sustained. Perhaps in time we will appreciate and be awe-inspired by the blessings of the tree.
I have come to recognize the trees on my regular walking routes as being my static companions. I have always been fascinated with these beautiful structures. On Monday, as I came to the most distant point of my circuit; the tree that marked this milestone had been invaded. There were six men in its branches and around its gigantic stem. Some of the men were armed with chainsaws and my heart ached.
It got me thinking about trees and the parallels they share with humankind:
We all need foundations for survival. The trees echo this in their roots which anchor them throughout their lives. Without these strong root structures, the tree would not exist. The roots provide much needed nutrients; water which sustains them and minerals which ensure the tree’s growth and strength. Where are our foundations?
We all need vision in our lives. A tree grows towards the sunlight. It knows its source of energy. The sunlight provides vitamins for its leaves to make chlorophyll. Sunlight communicates the seasons to the tree; telling it when to rest (winter) and when to grow (spring), when to flower and when to wait. Sunlight too is one of the main ingredients for its survival. In our own lives, there is a time for everything; where do we get our guidance?
The growth of the tree depends on it keeping itself balanced. It sends out both roots and branches to this end. Balance enables it to continue its life and reach its full potential. Without balance in our own lives – physical, emotional, spiritual, social, work, etc – our lives will fall apart. What is the answer to maintaining our own equilibrium?
The tree enables other life; giving freely to the creatures which rely on it. It also provides oxygen to man and absorbs carbon dioxide. It hosts a myriad of creatures in its branches and is indeed an entire exosystem. Birds rest there, ants make their home in its bark, so too do spiders, scorpions, slugs and other creatures. Even the insects depend on its existence. How do we support our own world?
The tree is so finely tuned into its environment. It receives from it and supports it. It doesn’t adorn itself with clutter and filigree. It takes only what it needs. Where does our own human greed leave us?
Remember too that the tree germinated from a tiny seed. Some seeds are so small, but they grow into structures which are magnified millions of times. In order for the seed to germinate, it was necessary for the seed to die. It shriveled up first, then a miracle happened and the green shoot and small root appeared. How did our spiritual lives begin and to what degree do they grow whilst in this world?
As I watched those chainsaws tackle their task of demolishing that huge tree, I said a silent prayer of thanks – for the provision of the tree and for the lesson it taught me. I am thankful for the shade it provided and for the creatures it sustained. Perhaps in time we will appreciate and be awe-inspired by the blessings of the tree.
