Tree as Teacher

If you would know strength and patience, welcome the company of trees. ~Hal Borland, American author

I woke up to snow on Wednesday morning!

Just a dusting — maybe an inch — but perfect for getting in the holiday spirit.

Actually, this Southern gal prefers sunshiny days, with temps in the 70s, though Central Illinois isn’t famous for that in mid-December.

Still, looking on the bright side, it didn’t stick around long.

And before it took off, I glanced out a window and caught sight of this tiny tree.

No taller than the length of my hand yet looking for all the world like it was saying, “See? I can be a Christmas tree, too!!”

Hang in there, Wee One — perhaps one day you might.

I got to wondering how something like this had sprung up seemingly overnight.

I didn’t plant it. I don’t recall seeing it over the summer months.

Yet there it was: healthy, tiny, and full of life.

And yes — Christmas Joy.

Part of me was tempted to hunt for a tiny red bow to adorn its branches, affirming in my clumsy way that even tiny trees are valuable.

But it was doing just fine without my intervention.

There’s a lesson here, I’m sure.

Even the smallest among us can teach us about strength, patience, and persistence.

Attributes we’ll need as we travel our path in life.

Now you might call this a weed (and perhaps it is), but I prefer to see it as an evergreen.

A gift.

Beautiful and perfect in its miniature state.

We’ll see what it looks like come Spring.