Nature Scenes with Lynn Bowen - An allegory of trees

This is another tree in DeLand that fell over and died because it had small roots — or at least this is what appears to have happened.

Here's a beautiful tree looking healthy and happy in DeLand in January!

By Lynn Bowen
BEACON COLUMNIST

posted Nov 11, 2012 - 11:33:59am

How does one judge a tree? Perhaps one judges by the color of the bark, its outward appearance, or its swaying abilities on a windy day. These are some of my philosophical thoughts.

* Think through your feelings toward a person who is overweight, mentally ill, odd or unattractive. Show compassion, realizing that there must be a reason that the person is this way.

Are the roots deep? A firm foundation, healthy seeds, and a good beginning to life are almost mandatory to flourish in later years. Roots don't show, but the trunk and branches do, and all need to be strong, of course.

* A person can change himself if he has the desire, but NOT change others. Many flaws are unchangeable, but many faults can be improved. Help and hope can be found through doctors, ministers, teachers, mentors or friends.

Was the tree cared for lovingly? Good soil, nourishing food, attention and love while the tree is growing and when it's all grown produce a great tree.

* Strive to learn how to improve your bad habits. With good roots early or even later in life, a person can reach his full potential as he grows and flourishes.

If the life of the tree is over, it becomes soil once again and thus is good for the earth. Death is inevitable to all things. Hopefully the tree contributed beauty, fruit, shade or shelter for a bird, was used for wood for a home, helped to purify our air, or otherwise had a meaningful life.

* A person should strive to do his best for himself and others, and the end of life is inevitable at some time. People come from dust and return to dust. Meanwhile, keep your personal foundation as strong as possible!

— Bowen lives in DeLand. Send email to her at lynnindeland@gmail.com.

— info@beacononlinenews.com

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