26:31 days of Yes!
This year we planted 3 trees and 4 grapevines. My garden was a bit of a wash as I tried to keep the trees alive through the drought last summer.
I’m reminded this week of sermons our pastor has given on parenting. Raising children is like tending a tree.
Little saplings require much care and protection. With thoughtful placement, stakes and supports are fixed in the ground to steady their sway and keep growth in the right direction. Fencing is necessary to dissuade pesky rabbits from eating the tender bark that they love so much. Lots of consistent watering and some extra fertilizer all give room for optimal growing conditions.
Caretaking and protection are required in abundance in the early years. As saplings become younglings, the roots are established. The rabbits no longer want to chew the thicker, stronger exterior. Continued watering and fertilizing are needed. But a big concern at this stage is helping the tree to stand tall and to eventually let it stand alone after it has been trained so that it can grow true and tall.
Good reminders even for the kids to help them understand why parents put on restraints and corrections and why we sometimes let them weather the gusts of wind without the supports. All in the name of growing true and tall trees in earnest and with prayers to the grower. Continual care is needed here too, but oh, all the more!
31 days of Yes! is me dedicating to post each day for the month of October (which is a Yes! in itself) and to find one meaningful Yes! in each day. Over 1200 bloggers are participating thanks to the lovely Nesting Place.