Planting Trees or Planting Flowers?

In this phase of our journey, there has been a lot of stuff going on. Moving more deeply into some relationships, moving away from others. Reconnecting at deeper levels (not always well) with those who have shared so much of our life journey with us.

The most defining aspect of this process for both Bob and I?

Coming to a deeper understanding of who we are – separately and together. Celebrating the gifts and abilities of the other, lifting one another up, and yes…sometimes tearing one another down.

That’s the true reality of the ick that comes with the yum.

We’ve been learning at a deeper level (didn’t realize it could go deeper) not only to respect and support the other but also to operate more closely in tandem. Operate in the knowledge and understanding that together there is much greater value than in the one ~ either one. We are both strong, and we are definitely different from one another. Neither’s life calling or skill set is better or more important than the other. They are different. The individual subsets of “we” is a pretty good story. But our philosopher daughter Meghan has reminded us ~ the combined story of “we”  is the sum of those subsets, and is by far a much better story.

The bigger unfolding for both of us in this process has been in the struggle to answer the question as to “what’s next?” Again, separately and together. For both of us, to mindfully understand and support the individual giftedness, skills, and passions of the other. Helping the other be all that person was designed to be. All the while, both continuing to ask and answer the question…

How do we “do life” in a manner that promotes continued personal growth and provides for the appropriate expression of the other’s unique giftedness?

The closest parallel I can draw to this part of the journey? Having road rash scrubbed by a wire brush! Painful…

Some friends recently shared a beautifully animated YouTube video. The video is based on a story published in 1953, The Man Who Planted Trees by French author Jean Giono. I finally had the opportunity to watch it today. The elegance and power of the seemingly simple message mesmerized me.

This short 30-minute video portrayed a compelling metaphor for what intentional living can be for any of us who choose to take the risk. Intentional living that doesn’t focus on planting flowers which grow, bloom, wither and die within just a few short weeks. But rather intentional living that seeks to put in the time and back-breaking work required to plant, water, nurture, and care for trees. Trees that will eventually become deeply rooted, life-giving trees. Trees that will naturally replicate the process. Have you ever considered the germination and growth of an oak tree?

The central theme of the story’s protagonist (Shepherd turned Tree Planter) resonated with me. Over the tenure of his tree planting job, he gradually altered his life and actions to wean away from other activities. This, for the sole purpose of focusing on his last career; tree planter. One crucial aspect of the tree planter’s strategy was telling. He didn’t stick to one plot of land. He planted and nurtured. He made sure the trees became well-rooted. Then he moved on.

Sitting and watching this beautiful story unfold, the questions churned profusely in my mind…

…What would it be like…if…at some point in our life journeys, we all chose to move from planting flowers to planting trees…

…If our life paths were mindfully crafted in such a manner that as we rounded each bend, we knew we would ultimately come to the place in the road where our vocation was only planting and watering trees…

…Trees that eventually grow to become deeply-rooted trees. Magnificent trees which provide shade, comfort, and respite for others. Trees, in which the root systems are often intertwined or grafted to one another to provide more strength and stability to those sharing the same root system. Trees, where the younger and less sturdy seedlings are given space and nutrients to grow, develop and fully mature into their created design intent ~ whether tall and stately or delicate and fragile…what if…

My bigger question?

Does it have to be “what if”…why can’t it be “when?”

There is an inherent problem with this type of scenario.

Planting trees can be risky business. It’s grueling and frustrating work, while simultaneously exhilarating and rewarding. The tree planter can and does make a lot of mistakes. In the process, there will be periods of extreme drought, and failure. Some trees won’t be located in good soil and will struggle. Maybe for a season, maybe for a lifetime.

It gets worse…

…not all trees will survive.

I invite you to enjoy the story.

 

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.  Coach John Wooden