A Tree by Still Waters

Our NorthStar Women Writers recently gathered for a time of writing and revising. One exercise we undertook was to walk around for ten minutes and photograph interesting items. As we returned to our pens and paper, we were then instructed to choose a photograph and take 15 minutes to write about something in the background of the photograph, something other than what we initially saw. Enjoy these insights gleaned from Michele Bowden.

by Michele Bowden

A fierce towering tree is anchored among the others. It’s larger, with more bumps and bruises - it has more knots and more burrowed holes. But nevertheless, it stands tall and strong among the others.

Next to it stands a narrow, slender, more gangly tree. This tree could be an offshoot of the original, but no one knows its origin for certain.

It stands close by; similar in appearance but with its own space and destination. It doesn’t stand alone, but it is indeed independent in growth.

As one thinks of this slender tree growing from a twig, it reminds us of our youth - shooting up from the ground, some from fertile soil, and some not so fertile. But does the large tree ask where the young seedling is going? Or does it stand by, confidently occupying its own space, modeling tree behavior - mostly unnoticeable to the

naked-eyed observer?

It’s a struggle to trust in the process of allowing the tree to grow in its own space, not giving nutrients from personal reserves but allowing it to climb at a slow pace of its own.

There is a lot going on around that sapling. Light scattering. Leaves rustling. Bugs burrowing. Animals chirping. Steadily the tree grows. Straight in its climb.

Could it be that we are that young tree standing near the Father, planted by the still waters?

We stand confidently knowing that one day we will be our own tree, with deep roots, standing on solid ground, wondering about the tall slender saplings growing around us. We model tree behavior. We trust the growth process.

Each day, we watch closely but allow room for the open space between us. Abiding and leaving. Standing and leaning.