Part of our high school educational requirement many years ago was to plant trees. Under the scorching heat of the sun, the continuous prodding of our teachers, we planted trees. Now I don’t know what happened because it is very apparent that I am not gifted with the skill to grow things. Every single flower I planted died. But I suppose some good happened out from the efforts the students did.
The following article from an unknown author is entitled “All I Need To Know About Life I Learned From Trees”. And here are the lessons:
- It’s important to have roots.
- In today’s complex world, it pays to branch out.
- If you really believe in something, don’t be afraid to go out on a limb.
- Be flexible so you don’t break when a harsh wind blows.
- Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow.
- Grow where you’re planted.
- It’s perfectly okay to be a late bloomer.
- Avoid people who would like to cut you down.
- Get all spruced up when you have a hot date.
- If the party gets boring, just leaf.
- You can’t hide your true colors as you approach the autumn of your life.
- It’s more important to be honest than poplar.
Those are some good lessons. They remind me of some other lessons taught in Psalm 1: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3)
The Psalmist says that a godly man is like a tree in three very important ways. First, he is planted – he’s got his roots put down deep, he’s fortified, stable. Second, he bears fruit – he develops godlike qualities in his character and life. Third, he doesn’t wither – he is able to survive under all circumstances, even days of difficulty.
Stay away from the losers. The company you keep can make you or break you.
But the person who puts his faith in God and certainly not only meditates on The Word but follows the commands of God will find sure success.
And then the winner knows timing. And he knows that God is the perfect Timer.
And when success comes it is long and it is lasting. Not get rich quick, not overnight and not at the expense of others.
There’s a lot we can learn from trees.
And as we talk about trees today, let me end with a story about trees.
A man was watching his eighty-year-old neighbor planting a small peach tree. He inquired of him as follows: “You don’t expect to eat peaches from that tree, do you?” The old man rested on his spade. He said, “No, at my age I know I won’t. But all my life I’ve enjoyed peaches–never from a tree I planted myself. I’m just trying to pay the other fellows who planted the trees for me.”
Be a good father and raise up good kids who will blossom into becoming useful citizens.
Be a good boss and influence your people to be the best they can ever be.
Be a good mother and raise up a godly family that will form the core of a powerful nation.
Be a good citizen and help make this country a better place.
When we are doing things like these, we are planting trees.
So why don’t you go out and plant a tree for someone?
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sir francis? thank you for this wonderful blog! it reminds me for something! you inspire me more, and your works will serve me as my guidelines if i build up a business one day. Godbless and continue to make people be bless.
Good day Mr. Francis Kong,
You never fail to inspire me with your posts. I was moved by this particular post because it made me realize that it is us more often than not who create the mess in our life. We complicate the simple matters in the thought that complication equates success. I srongly believe that you have actually planted a number of trees already by just sharing posts like these. More power and God bless you always!
mr. kong, thank you so much for this article. i’m being reminded of my duty as a teacher…i am the plant and at the same the one who plants…it is good to share life with other people by centering Chirst in our life. may god be with you always…
thank you Sir Francis!!
Truly a nice piece. Thank you for sharing this Francis. I hope more people will see living with others is like planting trees.
Wow amazing article. I’m only familiar with All I Need to Know About Life I Learned From Kindergarten. I never thought about this one. Very inspirational. Keep it up Sir Francis.
Wondreful blog. Inspire me a lot!
Very inspiring Sir Francis. Thanks for sharing this to us.
Thank you Sir Francis for this very inspiring message, hope that my life will be an inspiration for others too like yours…Godbless u always sir…
Very inspiring, it reminds me again of my father, God Bless you Sir Francis
thank you.. from puregold family