He that plants trees loves others besides himself. --Thomas Fuller
Trees take many years to become beautiful. They start out small and scrawny, and they need attention and care. Planting them is a lot of work for very little payback in the short-term. But over time, trees become big, beautiful, and useful.
When we plant trees, we are doing it for the people who will come after us. We care that this place will be beautiful for them.
To help them make decisions, some Native American tribes ask, "What will be the effect of this decision on the children to come after us seven generations from now?"
Seeing ourselves as part of life is truly a gift. We can feel the connections with those before us and those yet to be born. Let's do it with love.
Prayer for the Day
Higher Power, help me feel connected to all of life today, and help me to act lovingly with care for the past and the future.
Today's Action
What can I do today that will live on into tomorrow? Plant a flower or a tree? Teach a child something new? Send a card to a friend? Today I will do one thing.
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Oh I just LOVE this. I'm really focused on breaking rituals that go many generations back farther than I can imagine in my family. Mostly shame and punishment that is barbaric in my mind. Not expressing love or feelings. It may seem basic to most - but not to us. My kids and I talk in the morning these days. About our dreams, about how we're feeling today. We ask each other how the other is feeling and talk about what we'll do today and what things are our favorite things right now. It was so foreign that it was very awkward at first. Now it's very natural and I see it more nourishing to my kids (and me), and more important than breakfast! We'll be okay skipping a meal - but without this morning connection - the whole day seems off now. We are not quick to open up through out the day. We are more apt to isolate into our own little worlds instead of playing together, and wanting to be nice to each other because we are invested in each others hopes and dreams... likes and dislikes... and hearts.
I have wanted quick results - and some of course are - some hugs come right away - some giggles... but this is a long term goal for me. I will nourish my children's emotional health as best as I know how every day. I believe if this hadn't been the case and going on already thanks to my 16 months of sobriety - my daughter would have probably never felt open enough to tell me what was happening to her in no uncertain terms.
I believe in this program - and I believe it can heal her - and all of us... and it doesn't feel like work - it feels like digging for gold!
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Thanks for everything. Peace and Love on your journey.
This is a great example pf you planting the seeds of 'spiritual progress' in your kids that, with nurturing, will go on for generations ... thanks for this post ...
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
