A few Marches ago, we planted Hollies, Crepe Myrtles – and long-awaited Leland Cyprus trees. My teen sons helped us move these huge trees with huge rootballs, bemoaning the whims of moms but kind of proud of their strength.
I’m sure they loved being physically stronger than mom. It made them walk a bit taller.
My husband, well, he didn’t really want the trees, but he helped me plant my dream.
I spent days basking in their beauty, anticipating their towering growth. Kind of like raising sons – you know their potential. It is just a matter of helping them grow there.
[Growing in grace]they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap (of spiritual vitality) and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment] (Psalm 92:14)
It wasn’t 2 weeks later when the edge of spring revealed it’s two-faced nature – and brought a snow storm, filled with some ice – and ravaged the work of my dreams.
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor 13:7)
We lost one Japanese Maple. The other, I wouldn’t let my husband tear out – we cut it back to the root and hoped.
My Leland Cyprus’s, so new to their new home, roots not quite deep enough or burrowed in enough were bruised with the onslaught. They really weren’t prepared for the unexpected.
As Spring slunk out of town like a seedy criminal, taking advantage of townsfolk shock– Famine and Drought rode into town.
The Japanese Maple with the deep roots and recently cut-back limbs – it flourished in these hard times.
One Leland Cyprus, though, it suffered, while it’s sister Cyprus flourished. Half it’s branches turned brown.
Twice daily, I pulled out my hose and left it to water for 30 minutes, pulling off the dead leaves, whispering encouragement, whispering hope.
“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains”(James 5:7)
Today that Cyprus, a bit smaller than it’s sibling tree, sways with abandon in the blustery Winds of Spring time, standing confident in the two-faced nature of Spring time. . . because its root system is deep.
It no longer needs me.
“Behold, [I will liken you] to Assyria, a cedar in Lebanon, with fair branches and with forestlike shade and of high stature, with its top among the thick boughs (even among the clouds]. The waters nourished it; the deep made it grow tall; its rivers ran round about its planting, sending out its streams to all the trees of the forest [the other nations]” (Ezekiel 31: 3-4)
Last night, my littlest guy, he climbed the larger tree, upward, laid in its boughs and hollered to us, as we planted 15 burning bush and 3 forsythia rootballs.
With laughing eyes, we both looked at our son, finding joy in what we planted, nurtured and sustained in hope and faith. Raising boys and trees – similar journey’s, both facing challenges – both showing the redeeming love of a mighty, compassionate, healing God.
This week needed a moment just like that! Thank you Father!
“For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations” (Isaiah 61:11)
BTW – if it snows in the next 10 days, can I start predicting snow by my tree planting? I’m thinking so!
You’re so strong.
I love that you have a tree climber! I love your analogy!
Raising girls…in this case, I’m not so sure girls and boys are that different. So glad God gave you a moment.
oh, how I love this. yes. this slow growth. the lazy days ahead in its shade. held tight and strong in its arms.
What a great analogy between planting and growing trees and boys. Both need deep roots to grow and mature into their full potential.
What a reminder to nurture those you love! Thanks
I used to have a Japanese maple tree, this post reminded me of that.
I can imaging that sweet moment– to see your boy laughing in that tree.
this nearly made me cry. how i needed to be reminded that like these trees, i need not despair even when the storms blow through my household. God cares so much more about my boys than he does the trees. thank you friend.
This is one of our family’s greatest joys on earth, to plant and tend … and then to wait on the Lord to do the good work of growth.
This post, my friend, was absolutely beautiful. Like Emily, I found myself applying its truths to other things in my life that I am trying to grow. This post is so helpful.
smiles….i love climbing trees…and what a cool end (or new beginning) to the saga of the trees as they now hold and nuture your child in their limbs as he climbs…so much we can garner from nature as well…
I love the analogy you used with the trees. We can certainly take this and apply to many areas of our lives.
Blessings,
Joan
Oh, Maryleigh, the story of planting, and growth, and disaster, and pruning, and the words, “Spring slinking out like a criminal” – I hearted that metaphor! And the finish with your boy climbing up the tree as you are beginning the cycle of more planting – and snow predicting. All smiles here. Lessons learned. And lessons I NEEDED to be reminded of. Thank you Maryleigh – and God bless and keep you and each and every one of yours.
Ditto Craig. I LOVED Spring slinking out like a criminal. I am torn between reveling in the beauty of your words or the beauty of your stories and thoughts. Thank you for sharing.
Maryleigh, I just wanted to stop by and check-in. Found myself getting a little lost in your words today. I have girls, but much of what you said applies to them too.
What a blessing to see things come full circle. No doubt a big, happy sigh filled your heart at that moment. It does mine to read about it. 🙂
Wow, I’m so happy I’ve found you (or, more appropriately, that you found me first!)…I often feel alone in my task of raising a son. My best friends have all girls. Your post is SO encouraging, especially the Scripture references. Thank you. I will pray over these Scriptures for years to come. And thanks for stopping by last week! Blessings in Him, Jenny