Poetry: People and Paths

Life As A Tree

by Tina

Years ago (many years ago) I wrote a poem called “My life as a Tree.” This poem was written before I ever knew Jesus. It was quite depressing and not at all hopeful. I must have tossed it out for this very reason. 

Life wasn’t so funny at the time, but now (even when I’m struggling) the Lord gives me plenty to laugh about. I think this says a lot. However, I spent way too many years silent. So I’m going to be noisy—in a good way. Hopefully it’s a joyful sound. 

I still love the concept and the metaphor of my original poem. Thus, I decided to re-write it with a more hopeful outlook. 

Life As a Tree

I live like a tree

The same scenery

But everything around me transforms–including me.

Seasons come and go

Passers by change as well

They glance my way and see how sturdy I’ve become

I haven’t been blown down in any of life’s storms

And my roots still go very deep.

In the Springtime a cloud of blooms covers me

My flowers do fall

But God’s word still remains.

In the Summer my branches are lush with leaves

And I bare the sweetest fruit 

This helps to sustain others.

Autumn! Oh, how it sets my leaves on fire!

Their radiance warms hearts as my amber flags float to the ground.

When Winter arrives my bony limbs are bare to the elements 

It’s a cold season

A difficult one

But then I’m blanketed by the most delicate crystals

Pure and white

This always brings me peace.

As Spring comes around once again I watch with excitement as crocuses rise from their slumber

And daffodils shine like gold

Snowdrops faithfully bow their lovely heads 

as birds that have built their nests in me begin to sing their praises.

I see all of this beauty surrounding me

All because my Creator so lovingly planted me deep

I’ll thrive where I’ve been planted 

For He sees to my every need.

It’s funny to think that I once was just a tiny seed

But look how I’ve grown!

And now I’m producing pips of my own with the power of God’s Spirit within me. 

Tina S.W. 

March 19, 2020

Afterthoughts:

I’ve decided to reveal a bit about my original poem. I did write about people glancing at me, (staring at me actually) but I didn’t write that they saw me as sturdy. My focus was on how I saw me. I didn’t see myself in a good light. I was very socially awkward. I sort of hid myself away and blamed myself for being so stuck. Thus, I compared my life to a tree: immovable. I didn’t know God so I was very dependent on myself. Because I felt helpless to make any significant changes in my life I was very hard on myself. I can still be a little hard on myself, but I’m reminded not to be. 

When I was so stuck and helpless Jesus came to dig me up and I was transplanted in Him. 

My life did change–quite significantly, but I can forget this. I suppose we all can get a bit lost along the way. However, I still haven’t been blown down and I do find some peace in the middle of life’s storms. 

I need reminders when I start looking at things from the wrong perspective, but God is always faithful to oblige. And I’m so very thankful for all the lovely trees He surrounds me with to accomplish this task. 

“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:8

“Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches.”

Psalm 104:12

For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.

1 Peter 1:24-25 

(Photo credits go to Pixabay.com users Skitterphoto and Lars_Nissen.)

24 thoughts on “Life As A Tree”

  1. A very beautiful poem Tina. I love that you decided to rewrite your new life and perspective in Him. Therefore if anyone is in Christ , He/she is a new creation ( 2 Cor 5:17).

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  4. It’s really showers of blessings.A great testimony that shows how God looks after his chosen people and gathers them to bring in the same fold.Thanks a lot for sharing .Take care.🌹👍🙏

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  5. That’s so so beautiful. Yes we all do get lost. Tempted to go for a climbing metaphor- but I won’t – too many used. You are a wonderful, beautiful tree. You survive the storms. Yet you still grow. So very appreciated. No need to hide in the shadows anymore. Be loud.

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  6. The poem is beautiful! And what’s especially beautiful is how the poem changed after becoming a Christian. I love that poetry has always been something you enjoyed. I never considered myself a poet. But I do remember writing a poem maybe 10 years ago. However, I cannot find record of it anywhere. Your poetry is so inspiring and makes me want to give it a go. Maybe one day. We shall see. Blessings. ❤️

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  7. So beautiful. Once a friend told me that Jesus is our heart wood. The center and life of the tree. I love your rewritten perspective which is so refreshing!🌳

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      1. Thanks Tina! Pain has been high but a bit better today. I was able to see my parents Friday, so I’m still living off that lovely time. God’s continuing to help us as I recovery from what happened in March. I see His hand holding, helping, and strengthening us every day. Some days the pain is hard but those are the days He holds us even closer. My daughters and I continue to pray for you at bedtime Tina. The journey is tough but God make us tougher! Love you sister. ❤💘🌳😄

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