Connection

Saturday, after walking my dog, we stopped at the small park at the end of my street. I stretched out beneath a large deciduous tree and looked up. The sun was bright, and the leaves were a vibrant green against the morning sky.

As I studied the leaves, I noticed that some were in full sunlight while others rested in deep shadow. It reminded me of people. Some of us are living in seasons filled with joy, opportunity, and abundance. Others may feel unseen, carrying burdens, challenges, or heartache in the shadows.

But as I continued to ponder, another thought emerged. The leaves in the sunlight would not remain there forever. As the earth turns and the sun continues its course, those bright leaves would eventually experience being in the shadow. Likewise, the leaves now in darkness would one day feel the warmth of the sun. The conditions were temporary, constantly changing.

My attention then shifted from the leaves to the branches and the trunk.  Every leaf, whether in sunlight or shadow, was physically connected. The leaves receiving sunlight were producing energy that nourished the entire tree. The leaves in the light were helping sustain the leaves in the shade.

There is a lesson in that for all of us.

Life moves in seasons. At times we find ourselves thriving and full of energy. At other times we face difficult challenges. Together, we can build strong connected communities. Through small daily acts of kindness, encouragement, generosity, and service, we nourish one another. Those who are experiencing sunlight today can help strengthen those who are facing shadows. And when our own season changes, we can look to those around us for support.

Healthy communities grow in much the same way as trees, through connection.

When we choose to invest in one another, we create something larger than ourselves.