The Tree of Life combines poetry, prose, and scripture. It is a story about a tree – a tree of life. In this case, the tree is a she. Perhaps not for a tree, but for us humans, it is the female gender that bears life.
As you read, notice the adversity the tree goes through and also notice the many ways it provides life. In this life, we all suffer through adversity. For some it may be health issues. For others, it may be marital problems, financial problems or perhaps even legal problems. But despite adversity, not only can we survive, we can thrive. We have offspring and our lives touch the lives of many other people in a positive way.
THE TREE OF LIFE
“She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is everyone that retaineth her.” Proverbs 3:18
On a cool winter afternoon a young boy went into the woods not too far from his house. His exploration took him further than he had gone before, and he became lost. It began to get late. He was tired, and he began to get scared.
He came upon a small stream. Nearby was an old tree that had fallen. He sat on the large trunk of the tree to rest. It was getting dark, very dark and colder.
A small boy exploring, not too old Now lost, scared, alone in the cold. With his mother is where he wanted to be Finding rest and comfort from an old fallen tree.
He had to get warm so he broke some branches from the tree. Near a big limb protruding from the trunk, he built a small fire. The large trunk blocked the wind from him and the fire.
As he added some larger branches to the fire, a cold drizzling rain began to fall. Shortly after, curling up under the big limb by the fire, fatigue overcame his fear and he fell asleep. As he slept he began to dream.
Many years ago, by destiny it would seem A lone acorn was washed along a stream, From a mountain range so very high Acorn of a mighty oak touching the sky. Many miles to barren, desolate land Where one day it sprouted in the sand, Surviving precariously when just a sprout, Roots growing deeply till strong and stout.
The dream continued. For a few years as the tree stood all alone, it was battered by winds of summer storms. Limbs were bent and broken by ice of winter storms. Not only did it survive, it began to give life.
From the tree, acorns fell to the ground. Soon other trees were growing all around. Despite its adversity, the tree surviving around it now, other life was thriving. With roots entwined in the ground below The young protected when winds would blow; Mother tree cracking limbs as thunder crashes Deflecting all blows of the lightning flashes.
The young boy was awakened by the tickling of snowflakes landing on his face. The fire needed a few more branches. He found a few small limbs that still had old dried leves attached and stacked them across the top of the limb he had been sleeping under. Feeling warm, secure and protected, he curled up under the roof of limbs and leaves. Almost immediately, he was again asleep.
The fire was warm and cozy. The branches now burning were once the home of nesting birds and squirrels. Over the years seeds were dropped by birds, other animals and hunters expanding the wooded area. Now there were more oak trees, pecan trees, fruit trees, dogwoods and others. The once barren land was now a large ecosystem, providing habitat and sanctuary for much life.
With the chill broken, the young boy began to dream of springtimes past.
Morning sunlight beams as fog is lifting Through branches onto dewey leaves glistening; With new green growth such refreshing smell, Wild flowers, honeysuckle sweet fragrance inhale. Sparrows, jays and mockingbirds sing Songs of life celebrating the spring; Newborns exploring, wondering, straying; Birds chirping among the animals playing.
The young boy awakened to the stillness of the cold winter morning. Bright sunlight was reflecting off icicles and the overnight snow.
Shortly after dawn, a search party of friends and neighbors had gathered at the boy’s house. In the front yard, the boy’s father was talking with volunteers when his attention was drawn to the woods in the distance.
Through the night, family had looked for the boy. But their efforts had been misdirected.
Smoke – there was smoke rising gently out of the woods drifting in the direction toward the house. It was as if the last of life, the spirit within the fallen tree was reaching out as its branches burned to draw the father to his son.
Smoke from burning branches lifting, From the woods toward home drifting. The last of life could it be? Or was it spirit from the tree? Reaching out from a distance To father for his son's deliverance. Despite Its own life-long strife Continuing to be a tree of life.
15 – “She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared with her.
16 – “Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.
17 – “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 – “She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is everyone that retaineth her.”
Proverbs 3: 15 – 18
Steven A. Green