Tree Tales: Sunshine on the leaves

“Modern science is aware that matter can be changed into energy and energy into matter. Our sun, a star, provides an example of matter being turned into energy. Every second, the sun converts about four million tons of matter into sunlight and other forms of radiant energy. The small fraction of that energy that reaches us is sufficient to sustain life on earth.” This is a quote from a 2012 publication of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.

The sun truly is one of the most amazing creations and this wonderful star shines energy on earth, basking it in warmth and light. However, since the season is now turning cooler and leaves are changing colors on the many variety of trees, I just couldn’t decide which tree to feature for autumn’s entrance. I decided to share this picture of a lone leaf, lying on a pile of other leaves with a touch of frost, but notice how the sun has highlighted this lovely piece of foliage illuminating it to stand out proudly among its fallen peers. It reminds me how important it is to shine and be strong along the many changes throughout life. Thank you to Sue McCormick for sharing this delightful photo.

Last week in Tree Tales I mentioned a poem, but there wasn’t room to print it, so I’d like to include it today. Here is the encouraging poem about an oak tree, I always say, “Look to the tree,” the tree can teach us a lot.

The Oak Tree

A mighty wind blew night and day,

It stole the Oak Tree’s leaves away,

Then snapped its boughs

and pulled its bark,

until the Oak was tired and stark.

But still the Oak Tree held its ground

while other trees fell all around.

The weary wind gave up and spoke,

“How can you still be standing Oak?”

The Oak Tree said, I know that you

can break each branch of mine in two,

carry every leaf away,

shake my limbs and make me sway.

But I have roots stretched in the earth,

growing stronger since my birth,

You’ll never touch them, for you see

they are the deepest part of me.

Until today, I wasn’t sure

of just how much I could endure.

But now I’ve found with thanks to you,

I’m stronger than I ever knew.

— Johnny Ray Ryder, Jr.

This poem is encouraging and it reminds me of something a young friend said the other night; I thought it would be appropriate to repeat it here. Shedrick Corhn said, “Remember, if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” Thank you for sharing that; he said he read it in an article recently.

I hope to hear from more people on what is your favorite tree. Right now, the Weeping Willow tree has an early lead with the majestic, colorful maple tree coming in at a close second. We also have some wonderful stories coming soon, so please return to Tree Tales each week. Here is a preview of some of the trees: walnut tree, maple tree, Nine Bark tree, Shag Bark Hickory tree, and many more.

Please send your ideas to Tree Tales, P O Box 330, Freeport, IL, 61032 or vonniemaple@journalstandard.com.