Determination
While sitting outside a couple of weeks ago, my eyes gazed upon what is now this huge tree that has grown halfway through the chain link fence in my backyard. I began to remember many years ago how this tree was merely a twig poking out at the bottom of my fence. Mom was still alive back then, and she said that we should really do something about it before it became a problem since it was growing through our fence. However, as time went on, she seemed to change her mind and never mentioned having our neighbor or us do something about it. In fact, she
came to love watching its progress.
Years passed by, and I never really stopped to pay much more attention to that little twig.
Life goes on, and so often we overlook nature and the beauty and awe around us. I was amazed
to see that this little twig had grown into this huge tree which not only had made its way through part of my chain link fence, but had grown very, very high. Two of its huge branches are intertwined as though they are embracing each other. This little twig had blosssomed into a beautiful, majestic tree which has become a shelter for some beautiful birds. I had never seen cardinals before, but they are now coming to rest upon its branches.
The more I think about this tree the more I realize that there is a valuable lesson to be
learned here. The lesson is all about "determination." That little twig barely had a chance
in life, but it did not give up over the years. It was determined to stay alive, and to serve its purpose in nature. It was determined to survive, and that it did! It said to itself, "I think I can...I think I can...I think I can....I KNOW I CAN!" Its will and determination to survive is a wonderful lesson for all of us. It perservered and succeeded against all odds, and so can we.
There is also a part of me that would like to think that somehow mom's spirit lives within the
beauty of its branches. She always loved sitting in her backyard, especially watching the birds. Every time I look at those embracing branches I am reminded of her and of all of the love she had within her heart. Thank you little twig for not only teaching me a valuable lesson, but for warming my heart as well.
Copyright 2004 Ellen Bryant
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