Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography

How would I describe myself as a tree? That is a hard question to answer. When you think about tree, what type of tree comes to mind? A physical tree, a metaphorical tree, or possibly an ancestral family tree. There are many different types of trees for each of these categories. Some trees are softwood, others hardwood, and still others are broadleaf.

Softwoods are flexible, lighter in weight, and less dense than most hardwoods. They are less resistant to fire. They are mainly used for windows, doors, plywood, and paper. They also split more easily and easier to cut with cutting tools. They tend to be less expensive, use less waste, and growing at a faster rate than hardwoods.

Hardwoods are hard, dense, and heavier than softwood. It doesn’t split or break easily. Since hardwood trees tend to not grow straight, there is more wastage, and they are more expensive than softwoods. They grow at a slower pace and are more resistant to fires. Hardwoods are used for high-quality, high durable furniture, deck, and flooring.

A metaphorical tree is referred to as a tree of life. The Bible uses the tree of life as a symbol of God’s life-giving presence and the fullness of eternal life that’s possible through Jesus Christ. It can also be a symbol of personal growth, strength and beauty. As humans we grow stronger, strive for greater knowledge, wisdom, and have a desire to gain new experiences throughout life.

In the Bible, John 15:5-6 states “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing, If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” This implies that a person grows stronger in the Lord, but separate from God becomes weak and discarded.

An ancestral family tree is a family tree that takes you back generations. It is also called a genealogy or a pedigree chart. It is a chart that represents family relationships in a conventional tree structure, both ancestry and descent of family members within a family. Nobility, in later medieval times, adopted the tree as a symbol of lineage. Learning about your ancestors, understanding where you came from can enlighten you too how beautiful and unique you are. It can give you a sense of self-worth and belonging.

How do I see myself as a tree? I see myself as a hardwood, strong and durable. As a part of the tree of life, gaining strength from Jesus Christ who helps me grow and strive to become a better person. I also see myself as an integral part of my ancestral family tree. I am just one of the many members in my family tree. I gain knowledge about my past ancestors which help me to know where I come from and to learn from their experiences.

How do you see yourself as a tree? Strong like a hardwood, pliable lie a softwood, or a part of a metaphorical or ancestral family tree? Think about it. Let me know what you think. I am always interested in what readers have to say.

This blog is a part of the Bloganuary challenge. I challenge you to participate. #Bloganuary @Bloganuary #Tree #TreeofLife #Familytree