July 17, 2024

Wednesday Word:  Of Roots and Trees

I was talking with a retired clergy person awhile ago about being in Buffalo and settling in.  During the course of that conversation, he said, “You knew a priest was going to stay if they planted a tree.”  The implication, of course, being why would someone plant a tree that takes a long time to grow if they weren’t going to be around to see that happen?

Planting a tree symbolizes rootedness.  It symbolizes a willingness to be present for the long-term.  It can also symbolize slow and steady growth, strength and vitality, and a place of rest; all of which are applicable to the church.  Slow and steady growth is better for the church in the long run because, unlike the seeds that fell on rocky ground, it allows for deep roots to develop.  A tree and church that has deep roots is strong and vital.  A tree and church that grows can also provide a place of rest from the heat of the world and a place to sit and recharge.

So maybe planting a tree isn’t a bad idea . . . except for the fact that things I plant tend to die rather quickly. 

Instead of planting a tree to convey the fact that I plan on staying, Joelene and I bought a house.

I hope that buying a house can symbolize the same things as planting a tree.  It certainly indicates a willingness to be present in this place for a long time.  There is plenty to do around the house, everything from interior decorating to exterior landscaping.  None of which will happen overnight, but it will be slow and steady.  I don’t know about the strength and vitality part of the analogy, but we also hope that our home can be a place of rest and refreshment not only for us, but for those who visit as well.

I think planting a tree is probably much less expensive, but buying a house gives us a sense of rootedness in this place.  We are home, and that’s a very good thing.

Blessings,