Be Like The Tree

As I watch my favorite bush lose its red leaves and gather at its base like rose petals, I realize that despite the leaves falling each season the tree still stands. The bark that is strong does not waver as it loses its beautiful hair and becomes bald – knowing that it is God’s decision and if it remains standing with patience, more leaves will grow on it.

As we lose people in our lives, either due to their time on earth coming to an end, or people who choose to walk away from us, our initial reaction is of sadness, hopelessness – maybe even despair. Yet if strong in our faith, our knowledge of God and His advice to us, surrounded by sound friends and family members who can give us advice pleasing to Allah, we become stronger as we grow. These people nurture us and care for us until one day we are strong enough to grow without so much support and we become like the tree.

Winds can come and go. Leaves can grow and fall. The stress of cold might change our colors and some twigs and barks might fall. But if we have been nurtured well, we will keep standing and aging. The oldest tree is the most sought after for its age and beauty.

Even when people are trying so hard to look young, act young, be young, looking for that fountain of youth, they still gravitate towards people who give them the feeling of stability and wisdom. The grandparents under whose shade they find comfort. If we notice children, they love old people, seeing something innocent yet mature, young and old wrapped up in them.

As I lose people around me, miss their presence, and wonder at those that just don’t stay in touch – my heart alhamdulillah is at a place now where agony and hopelessness does not reside. The peace has entered and ensures that I keep moving on. The people who nurtured me and gave me the love needed to become strong – they are the ones to whom this credit goes. Of course after the credit I give to Allah for the blessing of being around such people and navigating my heart towards them.

Losing them one by one is painful yet it is the reality that makes one realize that time waits for no one. Time is what we must avail to be the tree that brings benefit to others until one day we ultimately lose our strength and either are cut down or just leave this world due to natural means.