Do you ever get the feeling that we don’t give trees enough credit? They provide us with obvious lessons. For example, you can only be strong by being flexible.
Back on a May weekend I found a quiet moment. I simply sat down and let my mind wander. The first thing I noticed was the quiet and stillness. Minutes before, I had been busy trying to get things done on a very windy day. I wasn’t deep into a large forest. Even a small number of trees can break a strong wind and protect you. Could there be an analogy here? I suddenly saw my friends and my family in those trees. I also began to remember all the times I took refuge among them from stormy days to find peace and strength.

It was a rare deep moment. I rested longer.

I found myself remeniscing about events that had brought me to that day. I pondered school days. I reflected on decisions both well made and regretful. I smiled about embarrassing moments that I pray only I remember. I felt sad when I recalled times I hurt some one. My life has not been a straight path. It was then I looked up and studied the tall birch tree in front of me. I realized that trees are not all that straight. As my eyes traced it up and down I could see where it had taken several turns back and forth. I imagined it growing and trying to get the most sunlight. Did a wind make it bend this way? Did an animal knock it over that way? It is amazing how these simple plants can correct their growth directing themselves to the Sun, their source of food and power.

And so I learned another lesson from a tree. Even though my path has not been straight all the time it is possible to make a turn and continue on. Some trees even show us severe corrections can be made. I looked around and saw one tree with a near ninety degree bend in its trunk. I would never know what happened to it but that tree was still alive and still growing. From its thickness it had been doing fine for several decades. Even though it bore the evidence of being out of balance at one time it was still strong. It was still able to find the right direction.
Wow, two deep moments in one afternoon. I decided it was best to get back to work.