Have you ever took note of the trees in a forest, or walking on a trail around your home?
My favorite are the ones that have twists in them, any sort. Gnarlier the more majestic. And triple score for the grandaddies that are multiple merged into one. Trees make life, and trees preserve the quality of such life. From the air we ingest, to the shade and shelter we seek from storms, to enhancing an arduous drive, or perhaps you just need some support...a tree's gotcha back. Literally! Honestly enough, not just ours, but wildlife too, how stellar is that?
How about all of the varieties too? From red buckeyes and crabapples to the great majestic sequoias! Some blossom and others just leaf, or produce some sort of seed and berries for the birds. Nevertheless, they are all beautiful and strong in their own ways, and they all can be purposeful in their own way.
In observing these grand creations, I usually have the same thoughts: how did you get this way; what all have you "seen;" what have you been through; how long have you endured this planet; if you could talk honestly, what would you share with me?
Isn't that peculiar? Sounds like I'm talking to a human being.
So, tell me, what's the difference?
Haven't we all been through things, endured for a while, seen a lot, and have many thoughts we may feel we have to keep close to our hearts, maybe out of fear or sadness or even privacy of keeping one thing "sacred" and untainted in our lives? Maybe what we look like now isn't how we started. We are older, have some bumps, bruises, wrinkles, "twists and turns." But that doesn't mean the person inside is any better or worse, or deserves to be less loved, noticed or extended kindness to, right? Or, have we already pre-judged the "tree" as ugly and walked away, not to look back again? Not to remember what it looked like the moment we went on with our own life.
Trees can't talk. But there are so many analogies based around them, their strength, their endurance, and their beauty. In reality, they still make a sound if you pay attention - the calming shake of their leaves in the breeze and the knocking of their branches if the wind gets heavy enough. What are they trying to say?
Many people have stopped talking, but they hold the same qualities as trees. Their lives have been intertwined with others' and while part of them wants to let go; it kills them to. But if they had a real chance, they could flourish beautifully. Can you hear them? Will you even try to notice?
It is very loud in the "forest" I sit in.
Comments