We are like a tree growing in the middle of the woods. We are both the result of only a few seeds which succeeded in germinating and surviving. 
Like the tree, which starts from a small seed, opens its doors and lets its root search for its destiny, we too begin in a very similar way. In both cases, after a magical process, we are born into the world seeing light for the very first time. To come into the world, the tree digs its root deep into the soil and then springs forth its first leaves toward the sun. As for you and I, we come into the light of the world kicking and screaming, stretching our limbs and thus filling our lungs.
The tree grows slowly, defending itself as it may from dangers which can in an instant take it away. We too are very delicate initially, and in an instant can suffer a fatal blow. In time, the tree grows; and with the help of the wind, sun, and the grace of God, strengthens its branches, growing more and more leaves. Our growth is similar to that of the tree and too with the wind, the sun, and the grace of God, we become the the people we are today.
Then a magical process occurs within the tree, an important time in the development of the tree comes, and without warning it sprouts a flower. So too in our transition from a child to adolescent, our bodies also flower in their own special way. As a result of the incredible precesses of fertilization and pollination, the tree begins to produce fruit, each with seed of life inside. Similarly, we also develop the same seed of hope which from comes from the inside out.
Many times, the fruit falls from the tree, staying close by, while others it is taken by birds or other animals, near and far. As for our seed, sometimes it nary gets to the corner, while others it also is spread far and wide. When the tree gets larger, the production of its bounty also increases and with it the amount of fruit and seeds it offers the world. In time, we too have more ability to spread our seeds over the vastness of humanity.
In its wake, the tree of time leaves some seeds which no doubt become majestic trees in their own right, assuring survival of its species. In other cases its fruit and seeds are eaten and enjoyed, while in others they simply rot and disintegrate into the ground, without even a sound.
As a testament to our lives, some of our seeds become children, yet many more of our seeds are shared in the form of what we say and do daily; some which are sown carefully and others of which are simply left scattered along the way without a second thought.
Just as a large tree produces well-being with an abundance of fruit and the protection of its shade, we too can be generous, giving of ourselves to nourish others and too by giving them the protection of our shade. As is the case with trees in time, the seeds we sow today grow and become tomorrow’s eternity.
∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL IV 6