My Faith as a... Tree?

Eastern Hemlock and Tuliptree
March 2010 Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

I think of trees as the silent one's who don't get credit or much attention. They do stay in the same spot for their whole lives and grow, but we couldn't exist without them. Being plants, they undergo photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide with water and the sun's energy into the sugar compound, glucose. The main bi-product from this process is the oxygen that we breath. Trees are made of cellulose, pectin, and lignin. These strong proteins give trees their stiffness and strength, and we benefit from this by using the lumber for building many structures for our shelter and daily lives. The majority of the fruit that we eat comes from hundreds of tree species, as well as hundreds of medical products. Trees are a symbol of wisdom, longevity, and strength in many cultures, and the aesthetic appeal that they give us with flowers, leaves, and much needed shade are spectacular. I think that trees are pretty amazing organisms, and it's seems like that I use them as an example of my growth in my faith with Jesus.

Autumn at Devil's Lake State Park
October 2010 Baraboo, Wisconsin

Here's how I see it. When the gospel has been shared with someone, a seed is planted in their heart. If they cultivate their soil right, then that seed will germinate into a tree who's growth will be guided by the greatest Light in the universe. Like all trees, progress is slow when growing, but it'll all pay off. There are times when conditions are great, and the nutrients and water from the Word of God fuel your growth! However, there will be times when growth will slow and eventually go dormant. But just remember, trees need dormancy to successfully produce fruit ; )
In general, trees put up with many environmental stress factors. Drought, lightening, high winds, fire, insects, and ice can damage such a strong organism. A single storm could destroy decades of growth in the blink of an eye. Many of these trees who fall in these events are unhealthy in some way from disease and stress, and out in the open without any protection. As a follower of Christ, there are many storms in our lives that our tree will put up with. Branches can be knocked off here and there, but if our tree is healthy with the Light and vital minerals from the Word, it can endure through these tough times. A sick and unhealthy tree, however, may fall over in a storm (this is what happened to my faith tree). But, it's not the end. When a tree falls over in a storm, dormant buds sprout from the stump, and vigorous  growth begins towards the light. This growth is usually healthier and more active then the previous. My tree may have fell in a major storm, but I know that the Light will always be there and constant, and I began to get more nutrients back in my life, and vigorous began to sprout again, and this "rebirth" of my faith is healthy this time. Plus, I was left in the open exposed to the elements. Now, I'm in a forest of other trees (followers) in different stages in their growth who are there for protection, support, and guidance. I like to call it the "Forest of Christ."
This is just how I see faith because God has helped me to use creation as examples of how to hike more miles with my Father through the wilderness. Just remember to keep you tree healthy with the right amount of water, minerals, and light. Also, growth is always with some companion trees around. With all this in you life, that seed will grow into a sturdy and mighty tree that will produce fruit so that new trees will sprout in the world.

Bur Oak at sunset
July 2008 near Bemidji Minnesota