Last week, I shared about these tree buds and others in Your Blooming Season. If you missed it, click here. Another walk led to even more inspiration from these tiny miracles.
One tiny tree bud holds an abundance of life. It will brave the elements, facing many trials. Just today, we are experiencing a warm spell of 60 degrees, only to plummet to 26 degrees tomorrow. Yet, this bud, along with many others, will persevere and move ahead toward the life they are destined for.
First a
flower, then a vibrant green leaf, she will confront even greater adversity than extreme temperature changes. She will withstand high winds, lightning, and thunder, not just once, but storm after storm. She will endure the rainy days of spring and the dry days of summer. She may brave tornadoes and hurricanes, too.
Each tiny bud was born with all the
endurance she will ever need.
Every storm will teach her more about resilience and persistence. Although threatening, external forces actually strengthen her connection to the branch, anchoring herself to the tree trunk foundation. This tight bond is critical to avoid succumbing to numerous challenges.
While not every leaf survives the natural challenges it faces throughout its lifespan, the majority do. Most not only survive, but live gloriously. They are visible and admired, thriving as part of a community, a cluster of like-mindedness, united in purpose. They band together, shielding one another from threats like forty-mile-per-hour winds.
Not every leaf will bear the full brunt of challenges, because their companions support them from all sides.
Positioning is everything. Some are called to stand out, take risks and protect the group. Others are called to support, endure, and help sustain
their fellows. When the testing is over, each stands stronger than before, despite the trials (because of them).
Because life is what was planted in her seed, thriving is her inherent
default.
They say everything we need to know about life, we learned in kindergarten—how to show up consistently, how to make good choices and how to relate to others. And imagine, everything we need to absorb those lessons, we possess from birth, packed within the tiniest of cells. We arrived as a promising bud full of life, much like our tree
friends.
Full living is in your DNA. If you find yourself experiencing anything less, surround yourself with those who are pursuing their own passions and dreams, whatever they are called to do.
We
can’t do life big the way we were intended if we’re standing alone, or leaning on a virtual network. We need real people in our lives. Letting people in all the way can be hard. I still struggle with that, other than a few core friends and family members. It’s easy to "fake it" in groups, but powerful relationships await our decision to be vulnerable and visible.
We’re not nearly as unique as we think. Whatever challenges we are facing, someone else has already endured them, and someone else will soon confront them. By embracing visibility, we can become beacons of hope for others.
Today, step outside and find a tree that is bursting with new life. Engage in a mindful meditation for at least
five minutes, focusing on the emergence of a tiny bud into the world. Acknowledge that you possess as much, if not more, potential than that single bud.
Your specific blueprint is illuminated by inherent passions,
gifts, and dreams. Only you hold this particular set of plans. Embrace the risk of pursuing them, being willing to suspend everything you think you know about yourself and what you are capable of. Too many times we underestimate our dreams and desires. Our friends can believe for us when needed and remind us why we’re here when we forget.
Be there for others. Seek help when needed. Find your community and grow together. Lead and protect when called upon. Offer encouragement, elevate others, and remind one another that challenges are temporary, and calmer days always return. For those who believe in God, remember that we are created with exactly what we need for all seasons of beauty and
hardship.
Possibly the greatest risk lies in being fully known by others and doing life together. May we all navigate this gift-filled journey in good company.
