One of the few bits of educational knowledge I retained from my years in the Oklahoma school system was that you can tell the age of a tree by counting the rings. Come to find out…there is much more you can learn from those rings.
The thickness of the ring determines the amount of water it received in a given year. Dark spots within the ring let us know the tree was growing in the late summer and fall seasons. The lighter parts of the ring indicate the tree was growing in the spring.
Amazingly, scientists have a term for measuring time with trees it is called Dendrochronology. Looking at history through the life of a set of rings. In the case of this old tree there is over 70 years of history.
It is clear why the mighty tree died, over seven years of drought conditions sucked the life out of this enormous oak. Over 40 years ago, the rings were massive in size indicating large growth in the spring.
Each ring a chapter in the larger story of the life of a single tree. I could not help but let my mind wonder as I counted each ring of the oak. If I was to be cut across like this old tree and my “rings” were counted what would be my story?
Certainly, there would be years of growth in each ring -- some smaller than others but growth nonetheless. But, in looking at the life of the tree against my life there is one very sizable difference. I control my “rain”!
To the tree, rain represents life which is growth out, up, and down. This particular tree would have a root system that matches the spread of the canopy. Water is as vital to the life of the tree as the sun and air.
My life is no different in the fact that I need certain elements to survive. Literally, I need water same as the tree but, metaphorically speaking, I need "RAIN" in life to produce an abundance in my “ring growth”.
If I were to peer into your rings what would I see? Narrow growth, drought or fat growth and abundance from year to year?
As we enter a new year keep in mind one very important thought. During the last seven years while there was a drought in the East Texas area the tree had no choice but to stay. You on the other hand have the ability to seek out the Living Water of life you need to grow.
During the season of rest and renewal our focus is typically on the basics of life, our mind, body, and soul. However, there are some that are in an extended season of drought conditions in their life. For these individuals focusing on the just the basics might not be enough to quench their dryness.
If you sense you may be in an extreme drought then look to these expanded 5 areas of your life that can be effected. Each of these areas, if left to dry up, will begin to negatively impact the other areas of your life over time.
While the body and soul are covered in the list the idea of our mind is expanded to include areas of our life that when mental dryness begins to take hold there can be serious long-term damage.
Take an inventory of your level of dryness to determine where nourishment is needed the most.
- Your career engagement (mind)
- Your financial health (mind)
- Your community connection (mind)
- Your social/spiritual influences (soul)
- Your physical condition (body)
If you are in a season of dryness in any of these areas, CHOOSE to find the water you need. During these times in our life we have to choose between being the victim or being the victor. The choice is always yours!
Seek to recognize where you are dry. Own the reality that you are in control to rise above your circumstances and move forward to find the rain. Then actively determine what you need in a rainmaker and then go...take control and move toward the rain.
In some cases, be very aware that you may be the needed rainmaker in someone's life today. Never underestimate the nourishment you bring to the life of others.
Another year has come and gone. Another ring has been added to our life. Time goes on. If last year didn’t produce the growth you desired, then prepare to move forward and transform this year into the growth ring you desire.
LET IT RAIN!
Onward!