FAVORITE TREE part 2

Recently I wrote a blog about my favorite tree which reminded me of my family tree (read previous blog here); now I’m adding to that…the blog, not my family tree.

The Banyon Tree

The Banyon tree is different than most traditional trees. While most trees have a main trunk and single root system, the Banyon tree’s roots are shallow, grow sideways, and then protrude back above the soil and create another tree. That process continues, creating multiple trees from the same root system.

That process got me thinking about a few friends in my life that are as close to me as family; in fact, maybe even closer. These are men I choose to let into a deeper part of my life. They know things about me that some of my family members don’t even know. We’re from the same root system, the human race, and keep growing closer.  

Thanks Debi!

There’s a particular family member of mine who is close to just about everyone in our family. She is connected by the same root system and is also close to all the trees that grow from it. She knows everyone’s name…even all the second cousins, and in our family, that’s a lot of names to remember. She attends every family gathering, personal events, knows everyone’s birthday, stays connected via text, phone calls, emails, social media, and probably even writes a letter to some. This person even takes their Timber of Faith cap to Mexico, and we should all blessed to have a family member like her.

2 Corinthians 1:4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the same comfort we ourselves receive from God.

ARE WE EVER REALLY ALONE

The sound of something running through the woods was getting louder and louder, which meant whatever it was getting closer and closer. Pivoting around in my stand, I readied my bow. Two bucks were running right at me, then stopped 15 yards away. Drawing back the bow, I set my sights on the larger one and let the arrow fly…

An always willing partner for the woods

Archery hunting for whitetail deer in the fall and turkey hunting in the spring are times of solitude for me. They are typically times when I hunt alone and spend countless hours in silence. It’s a great opportunity to focus on the current moment and enjoy God’s beautiful creations. People have asked me, “What do you think about for hours when you’re hunting in the woods alone?” That’s easy, I think about hunting. On one particular turkey hunt, I hunted alone, camped alone, and sat by the evening fire alone. Funny thing is, I never felt alone. In fact, while in the woods I never feel alone. It’s a nice time of reflection, relaxation, and to think about hunting. Being in solitude is quite unusual for me, because I’m typically a social person. After returning home from that trip, my wife’s ears may have been bleeding from all the talking I did. There’s something satisfying about being able to do things on your own.

The arrow found it’s mark and the hunt was over. The adrenaline rush was incredible! My heart was pounding and I was practically jumping up and down in the stand. It was the pinnacle of my first archery hunt and wanted to share it someone, then I realized I was alone…or was I?

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

MY FAVORITE TREE

My Favorite Tree

The reason this tree is my favorite isn’t because of the type of tree, even though I’m a huge fan of maples, it’s because of the shape of the tree. It’s not a perfect lollipop shape; in fact, it’s a little lop-sided and leaning a bit to one side. It’s a lot like most family trees.

My three brothers and I come from the same gene pool (or tree trunk) and the same parental influence. Even though we come from the same place, we all have free will, and boy did we take advantage of it. We were all towheaded, mischief-making, little kids. We each found our individual way to get into trouble, yet being connected as brothers, we also found plenty of trouble together. As time went on each of us found our own path. While one was into sports, another was into music; while another enjoyed the outdoors, another not so much. We started growing our own branches and adding limbs to them, and even smaller ones to those limbs. Sadly, some branches have split and started growing different directions, yet still remain connected in some way or another. Looking at the tree overall, you can see some branches growing close to one another with a lot of limbs connected. On different sides of the tree, the branches aren’t so busy and have more space. That’s what I like about this tree - it reminds me of my family.

Pretending to be doo-wop singers

As for my brothers and I, we will always be connected, even while doing our own thing, and once in a while when we’re together, the little towheaded, mischief-maker comes out in all of us.

Psalm 127:3-5 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.