ON GRIEVING

I’ve often thought of how a tree survives the harshness of winter.  The days become shorter, so there is more darkness than light, and the world becomes cold and foreboding.  In response to the darkness and coldness, of the world, the life of the tree, the sap withdraws from the world and seeks safety and warmth in roots that are buried deep in the earth.

 During the harshness of winter, nothing is asked of the tree but to survive.  The leaves fall off, and he tree becomes barren and ugly.  But beauty is not called for in winter.  All that is called for is survival.  There may be ice storms that break some of the limbs, leaving an open wound.  But healing is not called for in winter. To all outward appearances, the tree is lifeless and dead.  But growth is not called for in winter.

 Finally in the beginning of spring, the days become longer, and there is more light than darkness.  The harshness and cold of winter give way to the warmth of spring.  In response to this light and warmth, the tree comes to life again.  The sap is drawn by the increasing warmth of the world, up through the trunk and out through the limbs, branches, and twigs.  Only then are healing and growth asked of the tree.  During the harshness of winter, all that is asked is to survive.