No one comes from the earth like grass, we all come like trees. We all have roots.
– Maya Angelou

I am fortunate to live in a house protected by two magnificent live oak trees covered with Spanish moss. These trees are big!! It would probably take at least four people with their arms outstretched to hug the trunk of one of my trees.

Throughout history, trees have represented both the physical and spiritual aspects of human existence. In other words, our lives feel rooted in the physical earth. But our spirits are drawn like leaves of a tree toward the light of the “spiritual sun.” The oak tree is considered to be significant in many cultures. And a live oak is different because it can grow more than 75 feet tall and 150 feet wide, and it is hearty and lives a long life. Interestingly, its leaves always appear to be green because old leaves don’t just fall off – the growth of new leaves pushes off the old ones – an important lesson for all of us to learn.

Yes, trees have much wisdom to impart to us. They are inclusive. They are the home and the playground for animals and birds of all kinds. The trees never exclude anyone or anything. They are welcoming – even to people – to their shade and branches. They don’t put up a fence around themselves nor do they put out signs that say “stay away” or “you are not allowed here because of who you are.”

In Ilan Shamir’s poem “Advice from a Tree”, a tree sagely reminds us:
Dear friend, stand tall and proud. Sink your roots deeply into the earth. Reflect the light of a greater source. Think long term. Go out on a limb. Remember your place among all living beings. Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes. Be flexible. Remember your roots. Enjoy the view!

I admit my two enormous live oak trees were a big attraction for me when I chose my home here in Florida. Today they give me much pleasure and comfort as well as shelter from the hot sun. I have come to love them and to be grateful for their lessons. And they keep teaching me lessons.

As 13th century Sufi theologian and poet Rumi pointed out, “Everything has the potential to teach us. We need only to be awake to our experiences and be willing to learn.” And perhaps Joyce Kilmer was right when he wrote in his famous poem “Trees” with its appreciation of nature and life:

I think that I shall never see 
A poem lovely as a tree….
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

• Have you noticed how powerful and beautiful trees can be?
• Have you ever developed a caring relationship for a tree – especially when times were tough?

Thank You, Beloved Creator, for Your many gifts in nature – especially for trees. You have asked us to be good stewards of the earth and we have failed to do that in many ways. Help us to learn to be better caregivers of Your world. May we appreciate Your gifts of beauty in nature. Amen.

Joy Carol

www.joycarol.com