February 2022 - Shepherd of Faith

powerful lessons from trees! — Lessons from the trees!

Lessons from the trees are quite powerful! It’s been just one month since I promised myself I’d be more aware and present. As you would imagine, it’s an ongoing process and constant unfolding. Of course, I’ve faltered along the way but I’m remembering to be tender with myself. I’m acutely aware that every single moment is a new opportunity to course correct and start over and it’s okay.

This morning, after my prayer and meditation time, I decided to sit outside in my hot tub under the stars and relish the morning stillness. After a few moments, my eyes zoned in on the forest of trees before me. I was drawn in by their majesty. Each one so tall – symbols of life and strength. I thought about how still they were, all in their designated place, simply being what they were created to be, serving their purpose. On the surface they appear separate and individual but deep down they’re all connected by their roots.

One thought led to another and I began to think of humanity. I made the connection. We too are capable of being majestic. We too are meant to stand tall as symbols of life and strength – not in an arrogant way but in a way that shows our confidence and trust in the grace and mercy of God.

So my challenge for myself today is to continue working on presence but take it a step further and learn from the trees. In my presence, I will consider the following:

Do I take enough time to be still?

For me, being still is more than not working and curling up with a good book. It’s about taking time to sit in silence, with no distraction of thought or action. This is the time we get to hear God truly speak. This is the time we allow God to work in and through us. If you’ve never done it before, it is extremely uncomfortable and may even feel like a waste of time but nothing could be further from the truth.

What is my “designated place” at any given moment?

I want to see God everywhere and know that He is with me. I want to see Him at work in everything I do and everywhere I am. This is the only way to experience true joy and happiness in this life. What better way to do that than to recognize that He has placed me or at least led me to “this place” in my life. Wherever I am, whatever destination, whatever situation, I will consider an act of Divine Providence.

Am I’m being what God created me to be IN THE MOMENT?

God created us to be many things: to be loving, compassionate, kind – think gifts and fruit, as mentioned in the Bible. He created us to be good stewards and light and salt of the earth. I can go on and on. These are all things we have in common, not to be confused with our own unique gifts and talents. Each day we’re called to be one thing or another for the betterment of the world. I will consider where I’m being called each day.

Am I serving my purpose at any given moment?

When I used to think of what my purpose was, I always thought about what SPECTACULAR thing I was meant to do in this life. Today, as I wrote, it became clear to me that discernment is our purpose. Discernment is the culmination of all the work we put into the stillness, silence, presence and awareness. Purpose is not to be confused with role. For example: your “role” in life may be to be a mom but your purpose in life is to discern how you should act at any given moment. Our purpose is to be aware enough to see where God is leading and then use our unique gifts and talents to complete the task. Unique gifts and talents are not our purpose – they’re the means to an end. Our purpose is to figure out how, where and when to use our gifts and talents – that’s discernment!

How we’re all connected

Finally, I’m most excited to consider that no one in this world is separate from me. I believe this consideration has the power to transform me and make me a better human being. Like the trees WE ARE ALL CONNECTED! I’m connected to that person in my life who is difficult to love or that stranger I can so easily judge and even that person whose values seem in direct opposition to mine. WE ARE ALL CONNECTED, helping each other grow, nourishing, teaching and guiding. You’ve been placed in a person’s path for a reason and vice versa – be it a family member, friend or total stranger. It’s not a coincidence your paths have crossed. Consider why?