The Lesson of Trees

A friend from my church recently told me of her philosophy of friendships. She likens them to the parts of a tree.

She says that some people appear in one's life much like the leaves of a tree. Some are there for a few seasons and then they fade away and disappear.

Other people come into your life and are like branches. Some are strong and sturdy and can bend with your changing needs.... Others can be brittle and if you burden them down with too much, they crack or snap off and fall away. One needs to choose friends wisely and to be sensitive of what you can share.

Another set of people come into your life who are strong as a tree trunk. They are strong, sturdy and visible. You know who those people are. You know you can count on them. They are there through thick and thin.....through all sorts of weather. They stand tall and majestic.

Finally, there is another set of people that are perhaps the most important people of all in your life. They are the roots. Roots are the unseen anchors in your life. Those people behind the scenes who provide stability, depth, strength, and nourishment to your entire support system. You are rarely aware of them....but they're there. Unseen and unassuming.... They don't call attention to themselves.... They're just always there.