Encouragement

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BRANCH OF LIFE


Gazing out the window, I noticed a small subtle branch laden with young new leaves swaying back and forth rhythmically, in the still of the calm morning. There was no breeze to speak of. None of the trees or the surrounding plants danced to the same tune of this new growth, which was not much more than a tender vine. The morning was remarkably still. Even the neighboring pond imitated a mirror, with not a ripple on the surface. Yet, this young green branch was alive with excitement.

How is this so? How could nothing else not be stirred, while this one branch in all this maze of greenery, continue to move so playfully? Emerging from my home to further investigate, I felt not a single wisp of air touch my skin. Again, looking into the treetops, all still stood perfectly still. Throughout the backyard, not a leaf, flower, or blade of grass waved with the enthusiasm this little branch did. Approaching closer, I could still not determine the source of its movement. Coming right upon it, the young leafleted vine of a branch continued to perform exuberantly.

Placing my hand to either side of it, in an attempt to feel the invisible force accommodating this young branch’s movement made no difference. I could feel nothing to either side. Neither did above or below reveal the answer. I was still no closer to solving this mystery, than when I first noticed the rhythmic dance of this new life sprig.

So returning to my cup of coffee in the kitchen, I continued to view the unusual spectacle of nature, when a thought dawned on me. Maybe the energy is coming from within the young branch itself.

Pondering this enigma further, I realized this same concept applied to how at times, I have tried to live my life. There have been times when those around me have been in foul moods, or consumed with trouble, or extremely negative, while I myself was joyous. Maintaining the joy I was experiencing when entering a room such as this, can be quite trying. Sometimes, I was successful in maintaining my good mood by either ignoring the foulness, lending an ear and talking one through their troubles, or just avoiding negativity altogether. Other times I allowed these outside influences to affect me.

Wrong! This little vine framed in the glass of my kitchen window had it right. This morning when I leave my home and enter the surrounding World, nothing will take away the life force I feel inside. Nothing! I will be helpful, positive, and joyous that I have been given another day of life, regardless of what I encounter throughout this day. I shall be grateful for those that love and care for me. I shall do what I can to make another’s day better. I shall become the vine and dance to the joyful tune I feel inside.



Written by: Stephen R. Jordan

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