Trees of Hope

Christmas trees are all the rage this time of year, but they don't have my attention. I find myself looking to the old oaks, maples and elms.

Douglas, Balsam, Fraser, these are the tree varieties that make headlines this time of year.

However, the trees that have my attention at the moment look more like this…

Certainly not my finest photography skills. I cut off the top of the tree and didn’t quite capture the size of it. It was a quick point and shoot. I forgot my phone on my walk this morning and stopped on my way home from work when my body was demanding I get on the couch, hence the poor composition.

It’s not that I don’t like Christmas trees. **

The old oaks, elms and maples just have more value to me at the moment.

Every time I encounter a tree that I can’t fit my arms around I am in awe of its resilience. That tree has made it through unimaginable storms. It has survived blizzards, nor'easters and manmade hazards.

These trees bring me hope. If they can survive the unfathomable, so can I.

So I challenge you…

• Next time you need a dose of hope go for a walk…

  • Look up from your phone and count the trees that are too big for your hug.

  • Breathe in their strength. I promise it works.

Let me know how it goes.

**Although, maybe I don’t? My parents told me I used to cry and act terrified of Christmas Trees indoors when I was little. Then there was all the years the tree fell over (nice going dad) and crushed ornaments I loved which also dissolved me into tears. Maybe it’s just time for me to own that I’m not a fan?

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Wholeheartedly,

Maggie