This isn’t a great photo. I was trying to traipse across a neighbors yard as little as possible.
Based on my title, perhaps you’re thinking “If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” A bit of philosophy on observation and perception.
Or maybe you observed as I did…
If this tree had deeper roots it wouldn’t have blown over in the storm. It would have been like a tree planted by the water that sends out it’s roots by the stream. A bit of Biblical wisdom on how trusting and having confidence in God produces strong faith which inturn keeps the believer upright—in two senses: we will produce good spiritual fruit and we won’t fear or worry in a year of drought. God will sustain us through difficult times as we trust Him.
However, I’ve looked at trees from this angle before. Time for a different perspective.
Here we go. This photo is better. “Oh how the mighty have fallen….” Once glorious, Once beautiful. But everything has it’s time and it’s season.
Did you know that this phrase originates from the Bible? I didn’t realize this myself. According to Wikipedia the earliest version is found in the Great Bible 1539: Oh howe are the myghtie ouerthrowen.”
The more modern phrase “fallen” was used in the King James Version (1611). It was part of King David’s lament over Saul and Jonathan’s death. “The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!
Such is life. Everything falls (or dies) but God’s message stands (or endures) forever. It can be seen in everything He’s created ( Romans 1:20 ) and read about through Holy Scripture.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:8
If we look a little closer there’s another angle. A while back I came across a verse that stuck with me because I wanted a deeper understanding of what it truly means.
Taken out of context, verse may sound one way, but can actually mean a very different thing.
Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 (Amplified Bible)
I’m going to go out on a limb here. Sorry, it had to be said. A fallen tree can be observed and perceived in this way as well:
If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth, and if a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.
Ecclesiastes 11:3 (ESV)
If this verse is lost on you, don’t worry. It was lost on me too. The meaning? Wait for it….
“Unforeseen events come from God; and the man who is always gazing on the uncertain future will neither begin nor complete any useful work: but do thou bear in mind that times and circumstances, the powers of nature and the results to which they minister, are in the hand of God; and be both diligent and trustful.”
Barnes Notes on the Bible
In other words where our gaze falls is important. Will we focus too long on our problems and do nothing? Or put our faith in God and get a move on? Sometimes taking root can be detrimental to our future.
Pippi's Poetry 
What a beautiful tree. I feel sorry that it was uprooted and wondered if the owners could tree to replant it. I am not an arborist so I don’t know if that is realistic. I just hate seeing life taken away, even in nature. I like the way you used this as a spiritual lesson. I fear that too often I focus on the wrong things. So the last piece of your post really hit me. Thank you for this nudge. Beautiful post. Blessings, my friend ❤️
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Thanks so much, Bridget.
I wondered that too. I guess it might depend on how much root was remaining? Maybe if there was enough root it could be replanted. The neighbor did just take it out of the ground.
When my in-laws tree fell over in the wind one year they removed it as well, but I can’t recall if it broke or if it was knocked over like this one. Makes you wonder.
I think we probably all tend to focus on the wrong things. So it’s definitely a good reminder for us all. Blessings to you as well, my friend. ❤
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Very true! Thank you for this wisdom, Tina! ❤
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Thank you, Marisa. ❤
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A beautiful tree, a shame it tumbled. Stronger, deeper roots were needed, a good lesson for all of us. Here is one more verse for you. 🌳 7 Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him. Get your strength from Him. Colossians 2:7a
Tina, your photos are wonderful! A very thought-provoking post. Blessings and cyber-hugs! 💗🌷🌟🌺
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Yes, absolutely! 😊 That’s a wonderful verse too. May or roots go deep in Christ.
Thanks so much Jeanne. Blessings and cyber hugs back at ya. 🦋🌸🐞🌼💗
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Sadly a tree was hurt in the making if this post 😂 This is so true. We can control our gaze. Pick the right view and the world is a better place, with so much hope. ❤️
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Yes sadly. You don’t seem very sad. 🤣😂😂🤣 You’re laughing. So true there is so much hope when we set our sights on the right things, especially when we set our gaze on God. 😊 Take care Superdad. ❤
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I can’t comment on trees right now due to tree pollen lol
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Thanks. That made me smile. I’ll make an exception for your allergies. 😃 You’re off the hook, Dad. ❤
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❤️🤗❤️
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I love this. I have focused a lot on remaining grounded and I have been admiring the message of the trees so much lately. Blessings!
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Thank you. Yes, we can certainly learn so much from everything God has created.
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That’s a nice comparison, Tina! It’s too bad that such a beautiful tree like that had to collapse.
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Thanks Gavin. Yes, it is too bad. Kind of felt like I was immortilizing it by taking some photos. If it was in my yard I would have put some of the branches in vases. And maybe even offered some to friends, family and neighbors. Not sure how long a branch of blooms would stay fresh. But it would be something.
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