trees

It's important to have roots.

In today's complex world, it pays to branch out.

If you really believe in something, don't be afraid to go out on a limb.

Be flexible so you don't break when a harsh wind blows.

Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow.

Grow where you're planted.

It's perfectly okay to be a late bloomer.

Avoid people who would like to cut you down.

Get all spruced up when you have a hot date.

If the party gets boring, just leaf.

You can't hide your true colors as you approach the autumn of your life.

It's more important to be honest than popular.

Those are some good lessons. They remind me of some other lessons taught in Psalm 1:

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." (Psalm 1:1-3)

The Psalmist says that a godly man is like a tree in three very important ways. 

First, he is planted -- he's got his roots put down deep, he's fortified, stable. 

Second, he bears fruit -- he develops godlike qualities in his character and life. 

Third, he doesn't wither -- he is able to survive under all circumstances, even days of difficulty.

May your spiritual life take on the qualities on a tree planted by the rivers of water.

-author unknown