I was there, but don’t ask me “Where?”

On the second day of creation, the honour was bestowed upon trees—plants that have never known extinction. The Creator made light first, illuminating the world and guiding the growth of every living thing. Under His care, trees rise from the soil to the sky, breathing the air and drinking the water. He provides an unbroken cycle that continues to this day.

The Life of Trees: Planned versus Wild.

Trees can be categorized into two broad groups: planned and unplanned. It’s funny but worth saying! The planned ones are cultivated with precision. In nursery beds—akin to infant cradles—they are nurtured by humans, who measure every inch of growth, from canopy width to trunk circumference. Tasks like pruning, mulching, weeding, and watering become daily rituals. Why so much effort? Because these saplings are destined for sale and will eventually form the artificial forests of the modern world. Species like eucalyptus, Grevillea, and grafted fruit trees such as avocado and coffee are prime examples, grown with human intervention to meet specific needs.

On the other hand, the unplanned trees—the wild ones—thrive by sheer resilience. With no human care, they withstand storms, droughts, and competition, trusting that they, too, will become giants in the forest. The phrase “survival of the fittest” rings true here, as wild trees battle for sunlight and nutrients. These natural forests are often dense and untamed, a testament to nature’s raw power. They may lack the uniformity of planned plantations, but their beauty lies in their wildness, a chaotic harmony that forms an impenetrable green fortress.

The Journey of a Seed.

“Out of the darkness, into the light.” Such is the journey of a single seed—a metaphor for resilience and perseverance. Carried by the wind or swept away by running water, the seed’s fate is uncertain. Sometimes, it’s discarded by animals or humans who have consumed the fruit it bore. Yet, if fortune favors, the seed settles into fertile soil, hidden beneath layers of earth brought by rain. Alone and buried in the dark, it finds strength in adversity.

The seed begins to grow, forging connections with the soil, forming alliances with bacteria and fungi that offer nutrients in exchange for shelter. It sends roots deep, spreading out in all directions—a sign of perfect networking. Without this subterranean camaraderie, the seed would fail, wither, and die. But with each passing day, it pushes upwards, guided by an innate trust in the light above.

Strength in the Stem: A Tree’s Backbone.

As the seedling matures, it grows a sturdy stem—the spine that defines its strength. Like the Biblical Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and might, the tree draws its power from the light. The stem is the heart of the tree’s resilience, enduring storms and standing firm against nature’s fury. Its veins transport water and nutrients, sustaining the entire plant.

The leaves are the tree's living machinery, a green canopy that absorbs sunlight and transforms it into life-sustaining energy. These “natural papers” wave in harmony to the rhythm of the breeze, creating a melody that inspires birds to join in the song. This symphony of life is a “whispered hymn” to the Creator, a celebration of survival and growth.

Yet, the tree’s true strength lies not only in its physical structure but in its network. It grows branches—arms that reach out to the world—bearing flowers that transform into fruits. These fruits, a sign of maturity, nourish animals and humans alike. In this way, the tree fulfills its purpose, spreading its seed once again, ensuring the cycle of life continues.

The Human Paradox: Nurturers and Exploiters.

Humans, given dominion over nature, are both caretakers and destroyers. They plant, prune, and nurture trees, only to cut them down later for timber, fuel, and profit. “The hands that plant are the hands that cut,” a paradox that highlights humanity’s complex relationship with the natural world. The tree, if it could speak, might accuse humans of betrayal, for it was created to serve but not to suffer exploitation.

Lessons from the Trees.

The life of a tree holds countless lessons, speaking to the heart of what it means to endure, connect, and contribute meaningfully to the world. Like a seed that begins in darkness and reaches toward the light, we, too, start our journey surrounded by uncertainty. But in the face of life’s challenges, we are called to persevere, trusting that the light we seek will eventually find us. A tree’s network of roots reminds us of the importance of connection—of building relationships that nourish and support us. Just as a tree’s roots spread out in all directions, we, too, grow stronger by seeking support from diverse sources and building a network of friends and allies who empower us to thrive.

In a world that often demands conformity, the tree stands as a symbol of authenticity, changing only as nature is intended with each passing season. Its leaves may shift from a deep emerald in summer to a muted shade in winter, yet it remains unashamed itself. Trees teach us to embrace our true colors, to find beauty in our unique qualities, and to celebrate the diversity that makes life vibrant. Moreover, a tree’s purpose is fulfilled through its fruits, which nourish others and ensure the continuation of its legacy. This reminds us that our own lives are meant to bear fruits—acts of kindness, achievements, and contributions that leave a mark on the world and bring value to those around us.

Perhaps most profoundly, a tree’s gentle sway in the wind is a testament to gratitude and reverence. It stands, arms lifted to the sky, in silent praise for the Creator who sustains it. In this quiet reverence, we find a reminder to remain humble, to give thanks for the gifts that sustain us, and to recognize that, like the tree, our lives are enriched by a force greater than ourselves. As we observe trees in their silent strength, we’re reminded to approach life with patience, humility, and a sense of interconnectedness with all living things. In nurturing the trees and the earth, we honor the wisdom they embody and safeguard the fragile balance of life.

I am not here to write all the time long, but before I pen off, trees are more than mere plants; they are symbols of life’s resilience, of nature’s grandeur, and of divine craftsmanship. They teach us about patience, perseverance, humility, and the interconnectedness of all things. As stewards of this planet, we are called to protect and preserve them, for their existence shields us from floods, purifies our air, and offers us beauty beyond measure. “To nurture a tree is to safeguard life itself.” Let us join hands in conserving Mother Earth, respecting the trees that stand as silent sentinels of time, wisdom, and grace.