It is a requirement here in WoodCreek that each house have one tree in the front yard. There is a house on my street which, in the 9 years I’ve lived here, has had to replant a tree at least 4 times, and the one they planted this spring is nearly dead… the leaves have already turned brown and it looks so sad.
This is the same house whose lawn doesn’t get mowed until it is overgrown, and I don’t believe I’ve ever seen it watered or fertilized. The poor tree has no chance of surviving because there is nothing in the ground to feed it; the root system is weak, so when it doesn’t rain for 30 days (as it often happens here in Texas) there is no reservoir from which it can pull nutrients. Thus, it shrivels and dies.
It’s like our lives. If something happened would we have enough in our spiritual reservoir to keep us standing during the drought or storm, or would the wind topple us over? If we’ve daily watered our heart with His word and fed our souls with His presence, then when the heat is on, we are able to send our roots down deep to draw out strength.
It is also the same with our health. If we routinely eat healthily and workout, then when we splurge on Mexican food, perhaps a margarita and so-papilla, there is a foundation of health already laid; therefore, the scales do not tip in the wrong direction. Balance is the key in every area. I think the Scripture refers to it as moderation.
It’s not enough to just plant the tree and hope it grows. There must be watering and feeding, and don’t forget the weed control.
I know a great Arborist, and He has a manual that contains a daily guide that ensures healthy “trees.” I can get you a copy if you don’t have one, or you can download it free on any computer. His son, the Master Gardener, has paid for it for us in full. Do you have your own copy? Are you up to date on the times and seasons?
Vickie L. Perez: Vitality 