Soul | Think of a Tree

A warm breeze and sun-lit sky remind us that Spring is just around the corner. The cold winter months are all but diminished, and the signs of new growth are starting to emerge. This time of year, almost more than ever, seems to hold the tangible promise of life, hope, and a fresh start. It’s as if the whole earth believes in this moment, they can begin again.  As I sit here anxiously anticipating the fullness of green leaves on the trees, it reminds me of a quote from one of my favorite films…

via tumblr.

Terrence Malick’s “The New World,” is quite possibly one of the most brilliant films I have ever seen. Through the careful eye of a patient director, this film seems to embody everything that is beautiful, enigmatic, and introspective about life and nature. The very soul of the film is poetry. In my mind, Malick is a genius. This film tells the well-loved story of Pocahontas, the Indian princess who will forever be remembered as one who was brave enough to put herself in harm’s way. At a turning point in the story, in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, a kind woman living in Jamestown offers her these words of advice and encouragement:

“A nature like yours can turn trouble into good.

All this sorrow will give you strength,

and point you on a higher way.

Think of a tree, how it grows ‘round its wounds.

If a branch breaks off, it don’t stop, but keeps

reaching towards the light…”

The ability of a tree to continuing growing despite suffering from damage has always amazed me. Instead of allowing the force of the trauma to cut short its lifespan, the tree heals over the wound, and continues on past the scars. These scars become characteristic marks distinguishing the tree from all others around it. Almost as if to say, “See what I have gone through, and look how I was able to withstand.”

One of my dreams in life is to one day visit “The Survivor Tree” in Oklahoma City.¹ This elm tree has grown to become a symbol of resilience and being deeply rooted in faith which sustains. The story is remarkable, how it survived through damage caused by the dropping of a bomb, the force of which caused most branches to be torn off, extensive glass and rubble to be buried in its trunk, and fires from parked cars to blacken all that remained. Yet this tree, though nearly destroyed, continues to thrive for more than 80 years now.

"The Survivor Tree"

Each of us has scars, those we hide within ourselves, and those outwardly visible for all else to see. Damage has been done, both to our bodies and our hearts, and the evidence is left clearly by the marks we can’t avoid. 

But when I think of a tree, I’m reminded of the chance to grow and find a new beginning. With the slow, sweetness of springtime and warm weather, comes the hope that we too may be able to mature and experience new life. Just as the world is reawakened by the touch of the sun, so are we able to be renewed, and to remain whole, if we will only keep our eyes on Christ, who gives life.²

“…And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
(Psalm 1:3)

1. http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/secondary.php?section=5&catid=120

2. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” || John 8:12