Trees & Us

A few weeks before Christmas, we had raining ice.  The next day, it snowed.  I became captivated with the trees.  The snow stuck to the ice that was stuck to the trees.  They were beautiful.  I couldn't help observe every tree that we passed.  Each one unique and so very different.  I started to notice that some of the trees seemed to weak for the heaviness of the ice and snow.  Their branches sag under the heavy load.  Some of the trees are built to withstand the cold and heavy load.  Some trees are hanging on with everything they have.

When summertime comes, each tree will be stronger and more ready for the next winter.  You can  not tell the difference between those that were prepared for the winter storms and those who barely hung on.  The sun comes out, melts the snow/ice and everything becomes clean and pretty again.  They are again just trees. 

There are probably more than a few trees that are marked for removal in the spring because they have succumbed to the horrible winter and no longer have fight within.  They will be removed and a hole will stand as a bearer that there once was a tree there.  Eventually, that hole will be filled with another tree or flowers and over time there will be no evidence left of the tree that is gone.

That tree may have been the one with initials of young love carved into the trunk.  Or childhood memories of swinging as high as the wind will carry.  To those, the tree - even though it is gone - will always remain.  Forever etched in their hearts.

So it is with each of us.  Some of us are built to withstand many trials and tribulations.  Some of us barely hang on until summertime.  Our spirits sagging with the heaviness of our burdens.  When relief comes and those burdens and hardships are lifted, we enjoy our "summertime."  Having become a bit stronger to withstand the coming storms we enjoy all that summertime has to offer.

There are times when some cannot withstand the burdens placed and they are removed.  Suicide, death, excommunication, or falling away from truth.  Gone will their spirits be, but forever etched in our hearts are the memories and impact of each one.

Our goal - to build strength with every storm.  To not fall under our burdens.  To not take any moment for granted.  Take the opportunities to create those memories and moments with others.  Live each moment to the fullest.  Thanks for hanging in there.  Thanks for listening to my deep thoughts!