Tree

There is a small tree in my bedroom. It sits in a pot on top of a pretty plant stand. Only one side of it seems to grown because I have always had it next to a wall. I have had this same plant for some years, which means this tree has survived more moves than any foliage should have to experience. It has always resided in my room, but for the last six months it has sat right next to my bed, so sometimes when I wake up it is the first thing I see in the morning. Somehow this brings me comfort; like an old friend who has traveled the seasons of life with you, right there living alongside you.

A few weeks ago my dear friend started getting new branches. To my knowledge this has never happened. New leaves, sure, but never new entire branches. (I must clarify that I am not the best plant owner and forget to water it for weeks at a time. So there’s been a few times I thought my tree was a goner, by the pile of leaves sitting on the floor around her base.) I must admit the new branches look a bit awkward: shooting out randomly and curling at the ends.

I have often wondered if my tree has out grown its pot because I hear this happens to plants. Once I even had my friend, a great plant lover, come inspect her roots in fear that she needed more space. But he assured me that the plant seemed to be doing just fine. It also boggles my mind that my plant does not need much sunlight. Over the years she has had long stretches of sitting far away from any windows, yet has managed to survive.

Lately, I can’t help but feel like this tree points to my internal heart. That just as my plant goes through seasons of abundance and new beginnings, so my soul comes to find itself wrapped in a new day. Right now does not feel so new, but I still wonder if perhaps I am on the brink of bursts of fresh perspective. Even though I feel like everything will be the same and I am standing still, I must believe I am on a journey towards new life. I guess when the dying seems real and painful inside, the living feels distant. The shedding of old things is like the shedding of old leaves: it makes a place for fresh leaves to grow. So I must believe that right around the corner is my time to bring forth new branches. Until then I will lean into Christ and allow Him to form the space for new life to come forth.