What Trees Can Tell Us

Dear Boo and Bubble,

I went for a walk today around the golf course here at Sugar Mountain.  The temperature struggled somewhat to get out of the 30’s and a steady wind made it feel even colder.  But, the sky held nary a cloud and its bright blueness contrasted majestically with the soft grays of the slumbering woods and the straw-colored grass on the fairways and greens.  The uninhibited sun cast shadows in one direction and silhouettes in another, depending on where I was standing.  

Aside from being a most fertile time for locating errant golf balls, it occurred to me that this is, also, a perfect time of year for observation—especially of the trees that lend such character to the course in the summer and fall months.  They are naked now, exposed as skeletons in the forest…shorn of buds and leaves…no thriving underbrush to cover their roots...every scar of harsh seasons past laid bare on their trunks and bark.   In that state, you’d think they would not be pretty or elegant or “at their best.”  To the contrary…I was struck by their dignity and couldn’t help thinking that the advice they offer us in this exposed state is much more meaningful and poignant than anything they could say when blanketed with foliage that camouflages their true being.  

Some trees tell us that there are times in our lives when we can stand tall and be proud...there are moments when nothing can bend or break us.

 

Some trees tell us that we just need to come and sit for a while

Some trees tell us that a multi-faceted community can grow from a singular root and live in harmony and strength.

 

Some trees tell us that we can lean on each other for support.

Some trees tell us that sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zone to get to know others.

 

Some trees tell us that as long as we can, we should grow.

 

Some trees tell us that even though there are twists and turns to life, we must continue to grow and reach for our full potential.

 

Trees tell us that life can fling us in different directions, but if your foundation is strong, you have nothing to worry about.

 

Yes, boys, I learned a lot from the trees on my walk today.  I know that people will argue that trees are at their most beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn...and that may be true...that they are at their most beautiful.  But, that's different from being at their most meaningful.  I think the dead of winter is when that occurs.