Which of these best describes you, as an individual? Yes, I know these are types of trees, not people.
While walking Copper this morning in one of the beautifully wooded areas of our community, I paused to sit and appreciate the surroundings. Nature is where I often feel connected to God. Surrounded by the sounds of children playing soccer nearby, the distant traffic noise, and the warm September sun shining in a clear blue sky with a few wispy clouds, my attention was captivated by the various trees - Evergreen, Juniper, Ash, and Dogwood - along with bushes and flowers whose petals and leaves were reaching the end of their annual cycle.
Lately, I've been contemplating a lot about self-discovery. Not only about my own self, which has been a significant journey! But more so about the process of self-realization. Understanding oneself and embracing the person you are meant to be. I'm not referring to genetics, but rather the experiences and connections that have influenced you to become who you are in the present moment.
Evergreen trees, also known as coniferous trees, retain their leaves throughout the year, symbolizing the aspects of ourselves which remain constant. Whether we are talkative or reserved, introverted or extroverted, health-conscious or not, and whether we strive for self-improvement or are content with our current state, these traits are likely to endure as time passes.
Deciduous trees, in contrast, shed their leaves every autumn only to sprout fresh and new ones each spring, symbolizing things that may be transient or uncertain to us. During my teenage years and early adulthood, I was confident that I possessed all the solutions to life's major dilemmas. If I couldn't provide a logical answer based on my limited experience, I believed I lacked intelligence or worldliness. I was determined not to be perceived as naive. However, as I age, my certainty about everything diminishes. The once vibrant leaves of absolute knowledge have not only withered to a crisp brown but have also dropped from the branch.
We are a blend of both beauty and imperfection, uniquely crafted by God and molded by our life experiences and relationships, whether positive or negative. Our journey encompasses moments of pain and joy, love and sorrow, as well as surviving through both personal traumas and potentially causing harm to others. Despite it all, we have persevered through every single day of our existence. Just like the consistent pine needles on a tree that define us, we also continuously evolve and learn new things with each passing year. Hold onto the qualities that align with serving God, yourself, and those around you, while allowing other aspects of yourself to be renewed as needed, blossoming throughout your lifetime. Ease your pain to uncover more joy, love more profoundly in the face of loss, and heal from past traumas to prevent hurting others with your brokenness. Take the time to listen to the voice of the Creator who brought all things into being.
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