Planting trees...

I've heard it said that the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, but the second best time to plant one is right now.

I like trees.

I like the way they look, I like the the stability and shelter they provide, and I really like all the philosophical parallels (to our lives) inherent in their very existence.

The humbling realization that goes along with every well-placed tree I enjoy is the fact that whoever put the thought and effort into planting it might not have ever been able to fully enjoy what it would become. When I sit in the shade, stay dry under the leaves, or climb around in the branches of some giant tree, I may be fulfilling the "wouldn't-it-be-great-if" musings of someone from decades ago.

Trees become fixtures in their environments. They're one of those landmarks that get taken for granted because they're just there. They don't try to turn into the noble, steady presence they become, they just do...by being trees.

Fruit bearing trees are doubly fascinating. Not only are they everything else I've already mentioned, but they produce something that helps to sustain the environment around them. Again, they don't produce by trying to produce, they produce simply by being good fruit trees.

How many times through the years have you set out to start something worthwhile only to wake up one morning and realize that it had been weeks, months, or even years since the last time the idea even crossed your mind? It's crazy how easily we get distracted and forget those things. Then when we do remember, too often we set out to conquer the universe in one fell swoop rather than being willing to take just a single, (seemingly) insignificant step in right direction. Followed by another...and another...and another...

Is there a tree you need to plant today?