When we first bought our property several years ago, it was the middle of summer. It wasn't until the next fall that we learned we had a lone Redbud tree, the only one on our side of the county road. We felt quite special.
Each year, as winter transitions into spring, we keep our eyes open for the first pink blossoms, knowing they will not be here for long. And every year, our tree never disappoints. For a few weeks, I find myself smiling each time I drive by.
Today, I stopped to take a photo or two and was inspired to write about what this sweet little tree had to offer me in terms of life lessons.
First- Be on the Lookout. Don’t be in such a hurry that you fail to notice what is right in front of you. Keep an eye out and an open mind as you explore the world around you.
Second- Stop. I almost didn't, but I'm glad I took the time to get out of the car and snap a few pictures. We have a family memory of visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas, with my dad and stepmother. This was a place they had been many times, and Dad was perfectly content to drive around giving us the tour. After about 30 minutes, Chuck asked if we could stop and get out of the car. It wasn't too long after that that we were dipping our toes into one of the famous hot springs. Sometimes you just gotta stop.
Third- Look at it from Different Angles. As I started snapping photos with my phone, I began taking them from different angles. Each one brought a new perspective. If I'd only looked at the tree from one direction, I would have missed out. This can be true in life as well. Taking the time to look at others’ beliefs and views can help us to refine our own.
Fourth- Get Up Closer. This is something I always recommend when taking a photo. It’s also something that works in life. Don’t be afraid to step in and take a closer look. The other day, while I was in line at HEB, I had a very interesting conversation with the man behind me who was buying chicken paws. If you don’t know what that is, it’s chicken feet. I told him they resembled my beloved rooster’s feet, and I didn’t think I could eat them. He assured me they were quite tasty and helped his aching back since they contained collagen. Who knew?
Fifth- Step Back. I stepped back and took another photo, which included the county road. Just like stepping back is good advice when coming upon a snake, sometimes it’s good to step away from something for a period of time. Anger can dissipate over time, ideas can incubate a little longer, and decisions can be worked through with time. Stepping back isn’t automatically a bad idea. Keep it in your repertoire.
Sixth- Be Aware of a Fleeting Moment. As I drove by the little tree, I thought about how quickly this moment would pass, and that it wouldn’t be long before tiny green leaves would replace those blossoms. I think about this a lot as my youngest grandson is approaching his next birthday. I’ve been accused of spoiling him by Chuck, but I explain that he will only be four for a short while. I’ve watched as his older brothers have grown and matured. We shouldn’t take anything for granted that it will always remain the same.
Who knew that such an unassuming little tree could be packed with so much wisdom? As for me, I’ll continue to relish its short time here and look forward to seeing it again next year. Kind of like the hummingbirds that return each spring.
