To Be A Good Tree

I have always loved the beauty of trees. My time in the forest usually gives me time to slow down, breathe and contemplate the important things in life. Recently, I combined a work conference in Fort Collins, CO with an opportunity to spend some time at the Benet Hill monastery, in Colorado Springs. This is the home of my Spiritual Direction Certification program.

In addition to meeting, in person, some of the folks I journeyed with for over two years, I was able to pray with the sisters and enjoy the beautiful property on which the monastery sits. This includes a beautiful outdoor labyrinth that was nestled in the Ponderosa Pines.

I started my labyrinth prayer noticing the pine needles that adorned the path. The rocks that marked the path, twinkled in the sun. I was most drawn to the trees interwoven throughout the labyrinth inviting me to stop, touch them in gratitude and smell their unique sweet scent.

As I hold this experience close to my heart, it enlivens me. The sleepy parts of my soul are awakened inviting me into the mystery of life. I’m called to be like the trees that draw me deeper into the Source of Life. When I am attached to the tree of life rather than my thoughts, my limited perspective or my feelings, I become like the good tree.

As I pray this morning, the song Good Tree, by the Hillbilly Thomists, amplifies my desire to connect with my Source to become like a Good Tree. Take a sit and listen. Let me know if you’ll join me.

You can’t gather grapes from a bramble bush
Or pick a fig from thorns
What I’d like to be
Oh, to be a good tree

Some fall in the rocks, on the beaten path
Some sink into great soil
From a tiny seed
Oh, to a good tree

Like a cedar high
And mustard wide
Where all the birds of the air can hide
Find rest inside
Oh, a good tree

The beetle bites
The black rot strikes
From the inside
Have your enemies
Oh, if you’re a good tree

High and dry
Some branches die
From time to time
A prune’s required
If you wanna be
Oh, a good tree

Even when I’m old
I still will be
Still full of sap, still green
That’s what I want to be
Oh, to be a good tree

By Your word
The dark is light
The tree of death becomes the tree of life
So let it be
Oh, to be a good tree