The forest floor is littered with dead leaves, branches and tree trunks. Saplings are scattered throughout the forest among small trees and vast, imposing ones that have been thriving for ages.
These massive trees are destined to die, fall and return to the earth to provide food for the soil. But for now, they shelter the little trees and plants from the impact of severe storms and weather. They protect while they grow and gain a foothold in the forest. But eventually, they will die.
It’s hard not to see the parallel of aging. We begin like the little plants that grow into saplings and then small trees. If we’re fortunate enough, we finally take on the mantle of protector–whether it’s experience, wisdom or something else.
Eventually, we will topple like the massive trees and become soil. But while we’re here, why not look at all the good we’ve done and how we can continue to help others?