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As a child hiking with my dad, he would often slow down to get me to observe something or to help me look with the eyes of understanding and not merely factual knowledge. Perhaps growing up on a farm and walking in the woods close to his home gave him such alert eyes and ears for anything moving or a bit unusual. I coveted these times because there would always be something interesting. One particular time, he stopped me to talk about trees and to point out how the seed for one sprouted and was growing up underneath an overhanging ledge only a few feet from the ground. 

“Honey, our Creator put something inside that little seed that causes it to seek the sunlight—even though planted in the dark earth. As it germinates or wakes up, it sends its roots into the soil and reaches for the sun in the sky. Somehow, even in the darkness, that baby tree instinctively knows where it must go to reach the sun it craves.” 

“But, Daddy, it’s growing under a ledge.”

“True, but it's young. During this phase, it will grow rapidly to establish its usual shape and structure as it begins developing branches and leaves to harness sunlight for energy through a process called photosynthesis. The next time we are out here, Honey, you’ll see how this same little tree has not let the obstacle of a ledge stop it. You’ll see it grow horizontally under the ledge until it gets to the open sunlight.”

He beckoned for me to follow him. “A little further down this path, you’ll see another young tree that’s further along in its growth.”

“Oh, I see it, Daddy! It’s growing around the edge of the overhang—like you said.”

I hurried closer while he talked.

“This young sampling also started under the ledge and had enough sunshine to grow. See how it had to bow its head and grow along the obstacle-roof confining it until it could grow upright without restraint again?”

"Yes."

He dropped his voice, like when he was telling me something important.

“Phyllis, I want you to keep this image in your mind when you encounter obstacles during your lifetime. Just as each tree is programmed to seek the sun, I know you are also programmed to seek the Son since you have believed in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Remember, the tree will keep the shape caused by the obstacle even after the obstruction gets removed. Also, remember how it persisted and didn’t despair because of the hindrance. Later in life, its unique shape will serve as a signpost for other travelers along this path, or other new uses may be found for it because of its unique shape. You see, Honey, a tree stands as a stationary and silent guard keeping watch and witnessing the passage of time. We would be wise to learn from observing them.”  

His words about the tree's resilience under the ledge echoed in my mind, a powerful reminder of overcoming obstacles. Also, his comparison of the tree's growth to personal growth encouraged me to be more reflective. Since then, I’ve been an "observer of trees." I’ve seen young saplings tied in knots for someone’s decorative desires and wondered how many young people are permanently scarred by another’s desires. I’ve also seen strange growths on trees caused by an enemy or something in the soil and yet seen those used in various ways.

When I see trees struggling to grow in rocky soil, I think about people growing under challenging situations. As I see a group of trees bent in the same direction from prevailing winds, I think about how youth can be programmed into hate when that is the prevailing “wind” in their life. Other trees have been so misshapen that I’ve puzzled over what could have caused their contorted shape.

When we moved to Virginia from Houston in 1988, I was used to seeing lots of color in the landscapes year-round. I was shocked our new location only had shades of green in the winter.  After planting many perennials to add color, I wanted a small tree for the backyard to add year-round color. I began searching for a Forest Pansy Redbud because I knew early spring would be spectacular with its bare branches covered in beautiful lilac-pink flowers. Its new leaves are purple-red, turning deep purple in the summer. In the fall, they would turn red, purple, orange, and gold against the green leaves of the other trees across the back. 

Eventually, we found one and lovingly planted it in front of a row of pine trees lined with various blooming perennials at the back of our yard. We enjoyed seeing it from the windows across the back of the house regardless of the season. However, a few years later, a storm blew down a pine tree—on top of my Forest Pansy. Oh, the heartbreak!

Monty cut off the big tree, and I wondered if he could save my favorite little tree underneath. He trimmed off broken branches and found one still intact. He propped up what was left of our Forest Pansy to see if it would survive. Yes, I know some of you are saying, “Why not dispose of it and get another one?” However, Monty had such a magical green thumb and a delightful way of coaxing plants into thriving. We had to try!

 It looked pitiful for a season or two. But so do we sometimes because it takes time to heal. Our broken tree basked in the sunlight, which energized and healed its many wounds. This is similar to how I sometimes need to bask in the light of the Son, Jesus Christ, to heal wounds. 

However, life moves on, and I no longer live where I can look out and see my Forest Pansy. Yet even today, I smile at how it outdid itself to show its gratitude for being spared. Although its shape was strange for a tree, it still blessed us with color and interest year-round. (You’ll notice its peculiar shape in its springtime picture.)

The trees I’ve observed over the decades have shown me how they handle obstacles and persist despite everything. They've encouraged me to pursue the Son (just as they pursue the sun) and to persist despite any obstacles in my path.  This bent-branch tree picture in my memory reminds me to fear no evil, evil leaders, or accidents as I follow God’s directions, for He has provided me with a helper, the Holy Spirit.

“He that trusts in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.” Proverbs 11:28 (KJV)

[Jesus said] “…I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NKJV)