Making connections with nature

"Ah-h-h, my, what a wondrous sight!" my eyes said. I had spied a scene that was awesome and inspiring. The picturesque object was tremendously peaceful-looking and mysterious.

My husband and I were indulging in another one of our afternoon escapades. A leisurely drive into -- who knows where.

While Don was driving around curves and up and down hills, I, as usual, was savoring the views, looking out the car window and inhaling all the beautiful sights, mostly country scenes, since we were cruising in a rural area.

The sight that piqued my interest and imagination was that of one lone tree, abiding all by itself in the middle of a field.

Beautiful, lush grass grew around it.

The tiny green blades, their heads thrust up toward the sun, seemed to say to the tree, "You're not really alone. Look, WE are here."

The tree was beautifully rounded, with farmland surrounding it. But it looked lonely to me.

How old was this tree, and did it mind if I knew its age, as many people do? How had it handled the battle scars when it was bent this way and that?

Did the buffeting winds twist it farther than it thought it could ever go, yet it sprang back with an unmatched fervor?

What deep, dark secrets does it hold within its branches, but doesn't dare tell?

My, but there were so many things to ponder -- connections between the gallant piece of nature and mankind.

How many times had the sun scorched the leaves that dried up, died and fell? But when springtime burst upon the horizon, the leaves returned and covered the limbs. They grew fresh and new again and, in spite of what the tree had endured, it looked good as new.

Regardless of what that creation of God suffered, it kept coming back -- with more wisdom than before, and courage and confidence.

I pondered the likenesses between the tree and humankind. There are many similarities. There are many people who take the storms and knocks of life and accept them as challenges, but there are those who fold under the slightest pressure.

You can bend with the winds of fate or God's trials to teach.

You can be scorched by what happens and never recover, or you can tilt your head and heart toward the sun and your higher power and grow new resolve and determination.

Suffering truly does strengthen endurance, persistence, confidence and courage.

Nature possesses the answers to problems that humans encounter. Pets, even those who have been mistreated, forgive and look forward to another gesture of love.

They always seem to hold hope for a better future and will romp with you at the slightest provocation.

Animals forget what's behind and press on, holding few grudges and regrets.

Plants seem to bounce back. Some get straggly, ugly and dry. Yet they keep attempting to grow and hold on to the slightest nutrient to keep them going. You see trees growing on top of a rock and other seemingly barren soil. Yet it solidifies its grip on what's beneath and continues on. We would do well to model that attitude -- to allow our roots to reach deep and build on solid ground.

Everyone experiences setbacks in life. Be prepared to accept what comes, but develop the foundation to withstand its hearty attacks.

Dr. Richard Carlson, author, says to "watch your thoughts."

Often, you're defeated because you think you are, and you give up.

Rather, raise up your thoughts and arm yourself with power and strength within yourself and with your God.

Be like the lone tree in the middle of the field.

Take what life hands you and know your deep roots of character, faith and love will sustain you.

Remember the scripture: "This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it," and choose to rejoice rather than despair (Psalm 118:24).