To Be A Tree

Driving to work this morning, I was, as usual, very appreciative of the lush,green trees that adorn the earth this time of year.  The very beginning of summer brings a sense of renewal to me.  A chance to unwind from the busy school year of lesson plans, endless hours of grading writing papers, and bells signaling every aspect of my life from how much longer I have to talk, go to the bathroom, eat lunch, etc.  I started to think about the trees, and how I pray over the summer, I can find a way to reach a few more students next year, as well as other individuals this summer I encounter throughout my day to be more like a tree.

What?  A tree?  Hear me out.  Juniors in high school with all of life's answers and others too...just ask them...if they look up from their phones long enough, which is doubtful,  may tell you how much they know about life, not trees but life. Well, after fifty one years, twenty five of them teaching,  I too know a thing or two about life and perhaps why each of us should aspire to be more like a tree.

A tree, regardless of what species, will strive to reach its fullest potential.  A tree doesn't stop one day and say, "Yep.  I'm good.  I'm done growing. I just can't do it."  It strives to be as tall as it possibly can, regardless of its circumstances.  Not all days are sunny and perfect for growing conditions, yet each day, it reaches toward the heavens.  It doesn't settle and make excuses as to why it can't grow.  It simply does a little bit each and every day, trusting that some day, it will be as it was created to be.  Not necessarily limitless, but not allowing limits..or excuses.. to keep it from achieving its goal. 

A tree is aware that not all things in life are kind, for example, storms and strong winds.  Guarding against things that will harm by planting its roots strongly in the ground, or in a human's case, like a belief, to protect against harsh elements and destructive forces. A tree will reach deep into the earth to steady itself. If a person has a belief system, it will enable a moral compass to point a person in the right direction.  There are many distractions and individuals that seek to harm others but if the evils in life recognize one can't be swayed, they will move on.   

It can let go of the old.  Not all trees lose their leaves but those that do, know the old must be discarded and tossed to the wind, so new life can emerge.  Letting go of old hurts, grudges, and even failures allows new growth to take place.  A person may even need to rake up the old, burn it, and let it go. A person, much like the tree, has the power to let go of the past and begin again. 

Never does a tree judge.  It will grow next to other trees of various species and do quite well.  It isn't worried what kind or color of leaves the other trees have compared to it, or if the trees around it seem to have a more lush canopy or larger branches.  It simply revels in its own beauty and purpose, allowing the other trees to do the same.  Many should take note and appreciate the differences of others, not judge.  Each tree has the right to be part of the forest.  How boring it would be if every tree was the same...

A tree will ask for no praise, yet still flourish.  A tree doesn't have to constantly ask the others in the forest how it's growing, or if it's leaves are the right shape or color.  It doesn't greet the sun in the morning and tell it, "Look, if you, Sun, aren't going to shine on me with your brightest rays, then I'm not going to grow or do anything I'm supposed to do.  You owe me, Sun.  I'm entitled to your rays."  If that was the case, the sun could focus its strongest rays on the tree and burn the damn thing to the ground, which if you have ever taught or have encountered individuals like this, then you too, wish there were days you had the power of the sun's rays...)

And last.  A tree can provide cover and comfort for others.  On the hottest of days, it can provide shade for the animals and humans as well.  It extends its branches to help others in time of need when the rain comes pouring down and can provide shelter.  It takes in animals...and people too, allowing them to have a place to rest.  Many have leaned tired against a tree and felt its support.  It helps others and never once, not a single time, asks for anything in return.  Imagine, if each person could do a kind act without asking for anything in return, how amazing the world would be.

There you have it, Buckers.  That is why I feel we should all aspire to be more like a tree and be a more positive addition to the forest known as the human race.

*On a side note, a gorgous soul I know creates the most beautiful trees out of recycled guitar strings. She weaves  these pieces of magic herself. She created this jewel for me.  Visit  http://twiceuponastring.com/

Light and being a MiMi

Recently, I was looking out across the lake and noticed the light dancing on the water.  Millions of little ripples capturing the sunshine.  I thought of light.  It's reflection and how it is captured by so many things in nature.  In people too.  Once in a while you are fortunate enough to meet one of those individuals that seems to hold the magic of this light within them and allows it to dance from his or her eyes into yours for brief pleasurable moments.  Creating within the onlooker a sense of peace and pure joy.

"There's nothing like it,"  and "they will melt your heart" were a couple of the many phrases expressed with a genuine emotion from both men and women alike when describing having a grandchild.  "Um, sure," I would think and walk away with about as much belief as I have in getting an Ironman spot to Kona.  (For those with a positive attitude thinking.. “You just need to train!”are obviously unaware that I am quite sure I can't do an 11:30 IM qualifying time. 😅 ) Nevertheless, I would walk away wondering if such an emotion would be found from knowing this little human I would meet that my daughter would bring into the world.

Don't get me wrong, I was very excited she was on the way.  (Nowadays, one can practically send texts back and forth with the unborn child with the technology available, so it was definite it was a she.)  Yes, I was excited, but the type of excited these individuals that seemed to have and be members of a secret club of highly emotional, energized grandparents was evading me.  Months passed, sonogram pics were viewed, and the excitement grew but that big rush of emotion still wasn't present.  A few times, I was running or cycling and thought.. “Ok, now...maybe this rush will arrive.” Nope.  Either it was too soon, or I was just a complete heart of stone.  An outcast in the grandparent..or MiMi, as I would be called, world.  My sister even gave me a Mimi Life coffee cup that I filled with aromatic coffee and delightful creamers...still...no great rush of emotion, just the excitement of the arrival.

Well, as guessed, because obviously they can't bake in the oven forever, the day of her arrival, September 29, 2017, was at hand.  I was even very blessed to witness the birth!  In fact, hold a leg while witnessing...um..well, it's quite a graphic ordeal...the birth. I didn't pass out and felt incredibly blessed to be part of such an amazing experience to share with my daughter and her man.

I saw the baby and admit, I felt a twinge if this emotional grandparent love but it took a bit longer for me.  I swore, I would never be one of those grandparents that constantly showed pics, videos, etc.  Um...now?..I'm like Rainman.  Bugging my daughter for pics for my daily screensaver at work, annoying her with constant phone calls...not just calls...video chat ones...because nothing spells crazy like standing in the middle of the produce aisle talking into a small square device to a baby on a screen in a voice higher pitched than necessary with emphatic devotions of love full of the secret society emotion I was now a part of in life. 
Yes.  It arrived...and then some.  That light?  I see it in Anniston’s eyes and hear it in my daughter's voice when she speaks to her.  Anniston responds with pure love, emotion, devotion, and trust. I see it in Anniston's father, Michael, when he talks to both Jensin and Anniston. I do know this sense of pure joy and love that was spoken of prior to her arrival.  The rush of emotion encompassing your entire being when I look at her.  Proudly, I show my pics and videos.  After all, Buckers, I'm a MiMi now.  What more did you expect? Me?  I got much more.  Much, much more.