I vividly remember the day I stood having a conversation with a man that had just moved to town. As the conversation flowed I found myself asking, “Where are you living now?”
“Down the street under a mesquite tree,” he answered.
My heart skipped at least three beats as my mind couldn’t fathom the truth of what he had just said. How could one in my own city be living under a tree? There were houses, hotels, and even shelters.
Something about that made me pause.
It not only made me pause to think about the craziness of knowing a man who lived under a tree, but it caused me to pause at every tree I’d drive by. The thoughts consumed me.
I began to see trees like never before.
I looked at the ground around the trunk wondering how one could sleep there. I’d notice the land — was it flat, hilly, dry or wet?
I noticed trees along side the highway. Trees beside the bay front’s edge. I saw trees.
I noticed the weather.
Winter was approaching. With every gust of wind, I wondered how one shielded themselves from the cold night’s air that was beginning to howl.
The rain that would fall would leave me up thinking of all those living under trees – praying for their safety, dry shelter, and warmth. It’s as if my senses were reawakened to the effects weather played.
This man taught me a lot.
He taught me to be aware. To pay attention to all my surroundings — people, trees, weather.
He taught me to slow down and listen to others. And to ask inquisitive questions as there is so much to learn from others.
He taught me to love others who are different from myself. (you can read more of his and my story in Graffiti the book)
Do you have a hard time noticing the trees, weather, and unfamiliar people as you go through your day?
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This is beautiful…I love your compassionate heart. And now I really want to read your book. :) Happy Friday, friend…I hope it’s wonderful!
What an amazing lesson to learn! Thanks for sharing it with us and helping us all become more aware. Have a great weekend!
“He taught me to be aware. To pay attention to all my surroundings — people, trees, weather.
He taught me to slow down and listen to others. And to ask inquisitive questions as there is so much to learn from others.”
Powerful and so difficult for me to do! I appreciate your words and they spoke directly to me!
Great lessons here — so many things we can easily pass by without a second thought. What a great example you show of taking time to ask questions and listen to the answers. Thank you.
It is hard to imagine in our country, our town – trees for living under because there’s no where else. Trees are one of those daily blessings are like love letters from the Father. He always sends me a message in the trees. Today, He sent me your message in the trees! Thank you for sharing – reminding me to keep an eye out for those who need! Blessings to you!
Maryleigh
Dear Alene
Big trees form the boundary of plot. There is this one Silver Leaf tree with thick, dense foliage all through the year. People warned us to be careful of a man living under that tree and it broke my heart to see his few belongings they found there. I told them to leave this guy alone for my husband and I had no problem with him staying there. He comes for a week or two and leaves again for awhile, but I knows he is safe under this tree! One look with new eyes and people when you encounter people that have no shelter, but the foliage of a tree along the road.
Blessings XX
Mia
Sounds like he had quite an effect on you. And through you, on many others!