Below you can listen to the audio of this blog post, read by Kay Naomi.

I have a beautiful tree in my home that I purchased during the pandemic. This is her in the photo above. Her name is Ohana (which means family). Honestly, I am surprised she is still alive after almost 3 years! She has gone through some changes and I have repotted her twice. I probably need to repot her again in the near future.

Why am I talking about Ohana? What does she have to do with you and me? I believe God teaches us valuable lessons through His creation and Ohana is no different. Imagine with me for the rest of this conversation, we are trees. (The Bible actually refers to us as being like trees, so this isn’t a far-off thought. I even shared some of my favorite scriptures in this vein below under “Scripture References”.) 

So, what do we need to thrive? Sunlight, water, and nutrients in the soil to name a few things. In nature, our roots would have the space to grow and go deeper and deeper into the Earth. However, a potted tree, like Ohana, may be impeded in its growth because there is a finite amount of space to thrive. This is why plant experts advise repotting plant life if you want to see their optimum growth. 

Years ago, I went to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. I LOVE museums; I have accumulated a lot of random information in my mind. While on an Architecture Tour, I learned something that applies to us today. The Getty has magnificent trees in planters throughout the property. Sidebar, they also have a beautiful garden. If you are in the LA area you should check it out! Back to the story, our tour guide stopped in front of several trees. He explained they used these specific planters because they did not want the trees to grow larger than a certain size. Essentially, the purpose of the planter was to stifle the growth of the trees.

When I heard this for the first time, it hit me, hard. All I could think about is how we can be stunted in our growth based on where we are planted. I am certain you have heard statements like this before which most times reference where you attend church or the community around you. I would like to present a different point of view. 

Could it be our growth is hindered by our perspectives and mindsets? Of God? Of ourselves? Knowingly or unknowingly, we have the propensity to put ourselves in a box (or a planter) with our thinking. We even put God in a box based on our improper perspective of Him. This is why the Scripture tells us our minds must be renewed (ref Romans 12:2). The follow-up question we must ask is this: What mindsets or perspectives do I have that are stunting my growth?

We are barely hitting the surface when it comes to seeing the correlation between us and trees. I want to share with you a wonderful book I highly recommend by Dr. Anita Philips called “The Garden Within.” The insight and revelation God has given her is truly life-changing. I had the privilege of being part of a recording she did for this book and the gems I received in that short time were so rich. Additionally, she is absolutely lovely. You can find the book here! 

Scripture References

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear heat when it comes but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for speaking to me through Your creation. Reveal to me where my mindsets and perspectives are not in alignment with Your Word. Help me to daily renew my mind as I meditate on Your Word. Help me to daily trust You and to put my hope in You always. I desire to be like a tree, bearing fruit in all seasons of life, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Until Next Time, 

Live Audaciously!

Kay Naomi