Built to last...

I posted this picture on my facebook page tonight but felt it would make a great topic on my blog.  


I love this lone tree in a field. It's all by itself out there but obviously flourishing. It isn't daunted by its status; it has strong roots and is placed in a healthy ecosystem. Sure, it probably faces more wind and more of the elements with no other trees around it. It may have been through some really rough times, barely able to hang on some days. As you can see, it's not perfect.  It shows scars from its battles.  A few of the limbs have fallen or are broken and hanging to the ground.  This tree could use some attention. However, despite all these hardships, it's made it through and happens to be one of the largest trees around.  

If this tree had the chance, do you think it would have chosen where it was planted?  I do.  Even if it has to face harder elements out there.  Just think, its roots don't have to compete with other trees around it.  It has all that space in the soil to spread it's roots far and wide. And no other trees around it steal the sunlight from it's leaves.  When you look at it from this perspective, the tree is better off than its companions in the wooded areas surrounding it.


I think, being single, I can relate to this lone tree.  I'm kinda on my own out there.  Yes, I have my friends and family around me, but, like this tree, there's kind of a gap between us.  I don't quite fit into this couples-driven society.  If I were to be honest, I'd say I want to be in the "woods".  This alone thing isn't always easy.  It can be downright frustrating and hard.  But I also see that I'm a pretty strong person on my own, like this tree.  I've planted myself in good soil by planting myself in a relationship with God.  In Him, I'm allowing my roots to grow deep and strong.  I'm not saying that you can't do this if you're married.  I'm just saying, like the tree, when you're single, you have more opportunities to focus on God because you have less people biding for your time.  


I guess there are positives and negatives to both sides.  I think the most important lesson I get from this tree is grow where you're planted, even if you're on your own. You may just find out you're built to last.