.jpg)
On a recent hike I encountered something which struck me as so captivatingly beautiful that I have not been able to get it out of my mind. As I looked across the landscape before me there were trees as far as the eye could see; like twisted, blackened hands reaching towards the heavens. These trees were burned in recent years as a fire came through the area. Alone, they would be an amazing sight. However, with the green undergrowth encompassing the base of each stand of trees, the contrast of blackened branches jutting up among lush, emerald brush - it was breathtakingly beautiful.Like these trees, we all must endure some kind of fire. It could be physical, emotional, spiritual or any number of other challenges, but through the fire we go. And in the end, what matters is how we handle things once we've been burned. Some will give up immediately and crumble into a pile of ashes, hopelessly waiting for the winds of change to blow their charred remains where they may. Others will stand firm despite the damage, constantly reaching for what they've been working towards with an eye fixed firmly upon their goal.
But ultimately, if we allow ourselves to be surrounded and sustained by splendor as well as true friends who embrace the good times with us and offer support when we've been through the fire, life always appears to be much more beautiful.
7 comments:
What an analogy. Thanks for this.
Thanks, jayniemoon. And thanks for the comment!
It's a little bit funny, we endure one fire usually only to be rewarded with yet another one somewhere down the road. Luckily, the burning does get rid of those cumbersome weeds though...
Guest (T5?)- Absolutely true. And cumbersome is exactly what those weeds tend to be. I've learned it's much better to be grateful for the lessons learned from each fire than to curse them as they come - although that is much easier said than done.
Very true--great reminder, Gerb! I love how you see great truths in the everyday.
I find it interesting that there are so many possible analogies to justify life's pain and hardships--we really need reminders that life is okay no matter what happens.
I really need the reminders.
Lori- Thanks! It's amazing what there is to learn, contantly right there in front of us.
Anaise- I was struck by the same thought the other day. I realized that little analogies come to mind all the time and I wonder if someone is trying to teach me something in a way I can better understand.
Post a Comment