The following (edited) article is entitled “All I Need To Know About Life I Learned From Trees” (author unknown)

*  It’s important to have roots.

*  In today’s complex world, it pays to branch out.

*  If you really believe in something, don’t be afraid to go out on a limb.

*  Be flexible so you don’t break when a harsh wind blows.

*  Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow.

*  Grow where you’re planted.

*  It’s perfectly okay to be a late bloomer.

*  Avoid people who would like to cut you down.

*  Get all spruced up when you have a hot date.

*  If the party gets boring, just leaf.

*  You can’t hide your true colors as you approach the autumn of your life.

*  It’s more important to be honest than poplar.

Those are some good lessons.  They remind me of some other lessons taught in Psalm 1:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.  He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

The Psalmist says that a godly man is like a tree in three very important ways.  First, he is planted — he’s got his roots put down deep, he’s fortified, stable.  Second, he bears fruit — he develops godlike qualities in his character and life.  Third, he doesn’t wither — he is able to survive under all circumstances, even days of difficulty.

May your spiritual life take on the qualities on a tree planted by the rivers of water.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith