It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. –1 Corinthians 13:7
I was at my hubby’s parents’ house last weekend when I was sitting at the table with his mom and her friend having some tea. I felt so grown-up! Anyway, she had a view of a catalpa tree that she planted six years ago and remarked about the size. She couldn’t believe how quickly it grew into the strong monster (my words, not hers) it was today. It was an incredibly large and beautifully formed tree that stood like a sentinel over the yard.
At one point she’d given me a catalpa tree to plant. This was during one of my projects where I decided to clear some land in order to make a picnic area. I knew it would fit in with my vision for this little oasis that I had in my mind. I plopped it in there to let it start growing and give me some motivation to get it done.
My hubby thought I was a bit nuts, and I believe he even said, “You can’t do that, it isn’t going to work.” He didn’t have any confidence I’d make my plan into a reality! When someone tells me I can’t do something, I’ll occasionally get a little stubborn and dig my heals in to prove them wrong. This was one of those times. I might be little, but I had some muscle that I wasn’t afraid to put to work. I am my father’s daughter after all.
I got that garden rake out and started attacking all the weeds and underbrush…tell me I couldn’t have myself a picnic area…ha. I’d swing that rake down like a sledge hammer until it stuck in the ground. I learned that if I’d just push it forward hard enough, it would pull up the weeds with it. Those weeds and underbrush were coming out left and right!
My area was coming along quite nicely if I do say so myself when my cousin was overcome with awe and so impressed of what all I’d accomplished that he wanted in on the action. I really believe it was that rather than taking pity on me…or the rake. He decided to tackle my section with a weed eater. I was looking around in pride at how quickly it was taking shape when I noticed something, or the lack of something.
I asked him what happened to my catalpa tree. “What catalpa tree?” All he saw were the weeds and underbrush I was trying to get rid of. Umm…no problem, it must not have been meant for that picnic area anyhow. It really wasn’t his fault because I didn’t have it marked and I never even thought to mention it. It looked similar to everything else around it.
It’s me and it’s a tree. If God didn’t plant it, it probably won’t survive on my property. Beautiful evergreen that was planted…bear got it… “planted” a flag to replace it. Two apple trees that never looked like anything but big sticks…swing got “planted” the next year. My poor magnolia tree that is still hanging on…what will replace it? We’ll probably be “planting” a bench or birdbath or some such thing that won’t suffer.
My mother-in-law just made me think about what my tree would’ve looked like if it had that eleven years to grow. Would it have stayed the same size as the rest of the underbrush or looked as nice as her tree? The difference was that hers was marked as something with great potential, and mine (even though it was the same type of tree) was overlooked and thought of as just another part of the mess to be tossed aside.
About a year ago I was at a meeting where the topic being discussed was a national issue which all the media was covering. There had been another breakdown in communication and both sides believed strongly in their side. I believe it had a whole lot to do with cultural ignorance.
Someone asked, “What can we do?” I really tuned in because when I hear of a problem, I want to know what action needs to be taken to make it better, no matter what side you stand on.
The answer surprised me. We were told that there wasn’t anything that could be done on an individual basis. All these educated, academic people were willing to get fired up over a cause, but not do anything to help bring about change? I was a little shocked. Why were we being educated on the topic if we’re to just feel bad about it?
It was brought up that if we really wanted to, we could probably write to our government leaders. Immediately, it might get attention, but what about after that? That was a step, but in my mind the lady speaking so passionately was bringing awareness to an area that people are simply ignorant to. Bingo! Education leads to understanding, understanding leads to compassion, and compassion leads to respect. Don’t we all just want to be heard and be shown a little respect while keeping our dignity?
I couldn’t keep quiet (it was my first meeting too). What was I going to say? I feel strongly that ignorance is the root of so many of our problems. Everyone wants to feel heard and be respected. The first thing that I wanted to do was shout, “Pray! My God is bigger than any problem. You say there’s nothing for people to do? It’s the most important thing that each and every person here can do.”
I did speak my second thought aloud. I said, “Why can’t we educate our students now in order to help in the future?” That night we were being educated, why not take that education to our students? The students will some day be our leaders, so making them aware that there are cultures outside of what they know or grew up with can only help. We’d be preparing them to be able to listen to differing sides while being able to keep a calm, open mind.
In a somewhat condescending tone, I was told, “I think that’s a very idealistic way of looking at things.” I had to come home and make sure I understood what that meant! I wasn’t saying that having one talk with students would solve all problems, but while people were working on the national issue, I just felt that there was something we could do to bring awareness and take a step in getting rid of ignorance. Compassion starts in children! What we learn as youth, we tend to carry into adulthood.
If we’re all planted together and all get lumped together, what differentiates one from another? We can’t discount what might be because we don’t see it yet with our eyes. Like that catalpa tree, if we make sure it has what it needs, and don’t cut it down, how much would it grow in six years, eleven years, or even twenty years? Our children are the same way. It’s not being idealistic (unrealistic); it’s following God’s plan.
I challenge you to walk in love for all people of all ages. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love nurtures growth.
