We’ve been living a life of uncertainty for quite some time now. Beyond not knowing if our autistic children would ever live normal lives, we have had a couple years of major trials and tribulations. Any seemingly good thing that has come along has quickly been countered by an even bigger bad thing. Or so it seemed. Many times something bad, like losing a job, can actually turn out the be the best thing that ever happened. It may just take you a while to get to that realization.
While chatting with some friends yesterday, my husband and I talked about what a life of uncertainty is like. Our friend had a great analogy (I’m paraphrasing): It’s like being dropped in the middle of the desert, having no clue which way to walk. Up ahead you see a tree, so you just try to get to that tree. Once there, you see another tree, and so you walk to that one. All the while, you have no idea how many trees there are. You can’t think about that. You can only keep going, one tree at a time. Perhaps some day you will get to a big clearing where you can clearly see the journey ahead. Perhaps not.
What we’ve learned, through many many months of asking “why” things keep happening, is that eventually you stop asking why and start living. Between the trees. There is so much life, between the trees.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the phrase, “between the trees.” In fact, I think I’m going to start using it as a metaphor for periods of my life that are in limbo-like phases. “How is such and such going?” someone will ask, and I will answer calmly, “It’s between the trees right now.”
I do truly think that “between the trees” is what makes you stronger for those times you have to weather the desert in all of its harshness, sans cover of peaceful canopy.
Hugs to you and yours.
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LIfe between the trees provides us a great view doesn’t it?
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One tree at a time. That’s a DANG good way to describe it. We, too, are living with uncertainty – about other things in life – but the experience can in some ways be the same!
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That gave me chills. Seriously. I often ask myself “why” A LOT. Things always seem to happen to us, too, just as things seem to calm, bigger things happen to counter it. ‘Between the trees’ is such a great way to look at it. Thank you for sharing it
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I also like the idea of using the phrase “between the trees”. I can think of many a time I could have used it in the not so distant past. We also seem to live between the trees, not for the same reasons, but between those trees nonetheless. I am going to take those times as places in life where I need to grow, expand, etc… Thank you.
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And wow! That is one awesome tree in your pic!
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That’s a beautiful analogy!
My short time with you was beautiful and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The few trees I was able to visit with you were some of the most rewarding and best times of my life.
Live life between the trees!
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Yup. Been there… unfortunately I learned the hard way and didn’t start living until I reached my destination… Sad, huh?! Glad you’ve learned quicker than I did… saying a prayer for you. I definitely hope things get easier, less stressful, better… whatever you need!
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Sometimes, it helps me to stop, climb up to the top of the nearest tree and see how far I’ve come.
Hope all your trees are full of ripe apples today.
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You know what? I GET that, deep in my heart. Thank you for posting it so clearly and beautifully.
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I LOVE this photo. Where is that? And this perspective- something so many people can relate to but probably never realized. So true.
Steph
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