“For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters…”
Patti and returned last month from an anniversary trip (our 20th wedding anniversary) to The Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. We loved every minute of the history, tradition and beauty. We also were dazzled by the preservation of nature and none more so than gazing at Live Oak trees that had stood and grown in the same spot from some even pre Revolutionary War days. Imagine what those trees have stood over and if they could speak what stories they would tell. Oh to be as strong personally as a Live Oak, or to have a company or organization that could stand as firm and strong as one of those trees. There is much to want to emulate and it begins with what tree we are desiring to plant, where we plant it, and how we grow, prune and keep it safe and sound. What tree best characterizes your company, or even yourself today? As the ancient Chinese Proverb says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is today.”
The Pastor of my church delivered a message at our annual Men’s Retreat. He spoke of the Jeremiah tree and it’s characteristics that we each can each look to have: Growth, Beauty, Strength and Productivity. There is much to learn from a tree. We just have to want to be one and make sure that our roots are planted deeply, where they should be!
Reference: Jeremiah 17: 8 (New Living Translation)