For me, spring is here when the trees decorate themselves with blossoms, putting on a magnificent show. Looking at the blossoms I can’t help but fret that they will soon disappear.
Trees can be so many things: majestic, beautiful, imposing, calming.
Each has its own shape, its own character. Ancient trees, many of which have taken hundreds if not thousands of years to develop, can leave us spellbound by their grandeur. I’ve never seen an ugly tree. Even the crooked, gnarled ones are enchanting.
May 16 is Love a Tree Day. Loving trees and their beauty is not difficult, but we lead busy lives and can find ourselves taking their existence for granted. We can easily forget how extremely important they are to mankind and the animal kingdom. They clean our air by oxygenating it and provide us with enough oxygen to survive. Trees help combat the effects of climate change. They play a significant role in reducing soil erosion and provide natural flood defences. Trees supply timber for construction, fuel for cooking and heating, as well as fruit for consumption. They provide homes, shelter and shade for animals and wildlife.
As Spiritualists we believe that we are all brothers and sisters because we are all derived from the same source, the Divine Spirit. But what about trees and other plants? They too are tiny fragments of that self same Essence. It follows that we are related to trees, and in fact to all living things. We need to treat trees as we would our brothers and sisters.
No matter how cold the winter, the next spring trees that bloom do so again. All it takes is a little sunshine, some rain and, of course, patience. No matter how downtrodden we feel, no matter how low we get, a few simple things…… a little kindness, empathy and some love ….. along with patience, can bring us new beginnings and restore and revive our spirits. The human spirit, like that of a tree, is resilient.
