Spring and Fall are good times to plant trees because the soil temperature tends to be mild. As I ponder what is best to do during the various seasons, one of the questions I ask myself is, “What trees am I planting today that will provide shade for future generations?”
Most often what I am planting today, I will never have the opportunity to experience the shade they will eventually provide. There is so much we can do and be mindful of today to help future generations have a better opportunity, environment, and life.
Sometimes, we must be willing to sacrifice today for others to have a better tomorrow. It is part of our duty and our commitment to helping make our world just a little bit better. It is the price we pay for occupying space during our lifetime.
Trees can be a metaphor for many things as it relates to what we are doing to help others where we have no personal gain. Most people rarely invest time and energy into anything or anyone that does not benefit them or their family. When our life comes to an end, the only thing that will truly last forever is what we do to invest in others. It is the investment we make in other people that will make our mark on the fact that we have been here.
My husband often says that our grandchildren are our progeny, and they are the reason the world will ever know we even existed. But what about people who never have children or grandchildren? We all have our own specific way we can plant a tree to provide a little shade and comfort for those that will come long after we are gone.
God has blessed each of us with gifts and talents to share with the world and to contribute to making the world a better place. One of the gifts I believe God has blessed me with is to help people come together, forgive, and heal from past hurt and pain. I have experienced many disappointments in my life just like most of us, but I have tried to equip myself with tools, steps, and techniques that I could practice and follow to help me get through.
In my lifetime, I have also shared these steps with those who have come into my life and have trusted me with their struggles. Remember, God is more concerned about our relationships than our accomplishments.
What gifts and talents has God blessed you with to plant so that others can have a better life long after you are gone? Are you willing to invest and do what is necessary even if it is not convenient for you and if you never see the fruits of your labor? If all we live for is for ourselves and the here and now, we will never leave the world in a better place for future generations.
Make it your mission and purpose to discover the seeds you can plant this Fall to help the next generation to live a better life. Investing in the lives of others is planting good seeds.
While you are spending some time thinking about how you can make a difference for future generations with the gifts and talents God has given you, I also would like to encourage you to take a moment and plant some flowers, a bush, or even a tree that can spread a little shade for someone that may get a little lonely along their journey long after you are gone and they need to pause and rest a bit before continuing along their way. Depending on what you plant, you may even be able to enjoy a little of its beauty during your lifetime.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
