Wow.
I've just finished reading through all The Parable of the Tree in Winter INTERPRETATIONS, and I'm blown away. (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you might want to read THIS POST first - and then come on back.)
You guys are smart, and deep, and funny.
I learned so much!
If you obeyed the rules and didn't peek at the other interpretations when you posted--good for you! But now I highly recommend you take the time to read them - it is so cool seeing all the nuances that emerge when individual lives and experiences intersect with a simple story.
The meaning of the story I had in mind seems kind of basic now, in light of all your brilliant responses. But I guess I'm obligated to share it:
1. We long for connection with God, and when we experience a bit of it, the longing intensifies (as represented by the man's increasing yearning for foliage).
2. A life of faith in Jesus gives us that deep connection we long for (as represented by the tree).
3. Many belivers discover, after the blossoms of first love, that the Christian life has seasons that seem dry and dormant. If a person doesn't know that these seasons are a normal part of the Christian life, panic may ensue and, sadly, she may confuse winter for death and abandon her faith (as represented by the tree's dormancy in winter and the man's rather violent reactions.)
4. We all need companions (spiritual friends and maybe even spiritual directors) to help us recognize winter seasons for what they are, and to keep us company til spring.
Many of you keyed into these elements (often adding to them in wonderful ways.) And many of you pulled whole other dimensions out of the story. I was intrigued by how often themes of control emerged, as well as of the importance of not denying/avoiding suffering, and of accepting both our friends' and our own temperament and not "forcing" things. Some of you saw implications for structured church life, others for marriage and friendships, others for living with mental illness. There was not one response that didn't teach me something new.
You may recall I said there would be winners. What was I thinking? How can I possibly select only 2 responses?
Still, as I woman of my word, I am forced to select prize recipients. So ...
For the earliest respondent to encapsulate the major points of my intended meaning: NICK S (with PAM coming a very close second).
For the most creative response: IMPOSSIBLE! Too many great ones! But, because her poem-like response was lovely, and because her name features alliteration, we are awarding the prize pack to: MELANIE MINCH (with Kathy's HOCKEY INTERPRETATION receiving very honourable mention!)
Nick and Melanie - please send your contact info to: info@carolynarends.com
Everyone else - THANKS AGAIN! I hope your life feels fragrant and alive this day, but if it doesn't ... hold on. The weather is bound to change.
PS - A Random sampling of Awesomeness:
"Learn from the locals" - Paula
"He had risen too high to hear his own breathing" - Lance
"Bloom and grow forever" {awesome Sound of Music reference - bonus points!} - Joyce
"Hope for the clueless" - Diana
Seeing the special fertilizer and soil as Bible study/extra time in church - Kim A
"... cycle of growth, subsistence, conservation and rejuvenation" - Anonymous
"The Parable of the Professional Pastor" - Clay
"The somebody you already are .." - Ken
It's about REST - Arlene
"Maybe my tree will grow again - maybe the church's will too ..." - Dave Tate
"Hard times in the Christian life are normal ..." - Ginger
A contrast in calendars ... - Bill
"We can't move too quickly ..."- Margaret
"Out of what seems like a 'dark' thing or a failure, God can bring beauty .." - Curt
"The trees could be successive wives! :-)" - Lynn H
"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a compassionate, kindly neighboroffering a helping hand to a fellow creature, whether tree or man, in need. Could it be that simple?" - Nancy
"Part of the role of fellowship, of the church, is to help us recognize the good things in our lives and nurture them." - David
"Only God is in control" - Jesse
"Life is messy. Help each other out." - Quester
"Made for community" - Laura
AND SO MANY MORE (If I didn't quote yours, it's because it was too solidly awesome to excerpt! :-)
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