This last Sunday morning, I sat on the balcony of a friend’s apartment, watching and listening to the sight and sounds of the neighborhood as the sun crept above the smoky haze.
A row of trees blocked neighboring houses and apartments. One tree stood directly in front of where I sat caught my attention. The trees on either side had their summer leave that would be gone in a few months. But the tree that stood in front of me was different.
That tree planted in front of that balcony was a pine tree. The way the branches hung down made me think the tree must of have gone through some hard times. Some branches were even resting on others.
As I looked to the top, I saw younger branches pointing upward. They were newer, and a hadn’t seen much summer heat. I pictured them filled with new ideas and ways of thinking. Those branches gave life and inspiration to a few of the lower branches whose end began an upward movement.
Throughout that tree, I saw groups of three or four pinecones. In them were the potential for new life and new beginnings.
As I observed that tree, it was so different from its neighbors. It reminded me of my life. There were times where things I have done, and people weighed me down. As time went on, I learned what I needed to change. I forced myself to become more optimistic. In doing so, I saw some of the good things in my past and worked towards a better life ahead.
I was thankful for the message last Sunday from that odd tree amongst a row of trees.
