The big game is coming up Sunday. Back in the early 1970s, the running back for the Dallas Cowboys was asked his thoughts about playing in the Ultimate Game. He responded, “If it’s the ultimate game, why do they play it again next year?”

A few years later, a reporter asked a question intended to reveal something deep and meaningful about a particular player. He asked, “If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?” I’m pretty sure he never got to attend another big game media day. 

At the risk of never getting to ask you another deep and meaningful question, “What kind of tree are you today?”

Some days, we are mighty oaks. Others, we are weeping willows. Each has a kind of strength. Its strength also declares its limitations. One is resolute when the wind blows—the other trembles with the slightest breeze. However, mighty winds lay oaks aside. Willows lose only leaves. 

How is the wind blowing in your life today?

Tears are not an indication of a lack of strength or resolution. They are an acknowledgment of loss. Obstinate oaks never rise again once they have fallen. Willows resolutely recover and spread their limbs and life ever more broadly. 

You probably also know the medicinal properties of willow bark. If not, check out this article: [https://bit.ly/3I7s1lp]

I began highlighting in blue a few years ago Bible texts referencing walking with God. This includes words like journey and steps. Last year, I began highlighting in green Bible texts referencing trees and flourishing. 

My college sophomore English professor gave us a writing assignment. She told us what not to write. She included a reference to the beloved and bemoaned poem by Joyce Kilmer that begins,
“I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.” [https://bit.ly/3RJG5on]

You already know what happened. Three of us in that class wrote about trees. 

Let’s ponder the questions from above again. 

* What kind of tree are you today?
* How is the wind blowing in your life today?

Do you need to take a strong stand today? Or do you need to weep? Each is good. Each is permissible. Which is appropriate for you right now?

Every day is a big game. Every day is ultimate. We will live these moments and hours only one time. Stand strong. Live flexibly. Provide healing.

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I will stand strong, and I will weep depending on which is most appropriate for the moment.

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Our Father, give me strength to stand. Give me strength to weep. Give me laughter  and tears in abundance, for this is how we measure meaning and relationship. Amen.