EDITORIAL

The Parable of the Three Trees

May I begin this editorial with a short parable. With your permission, the "Parable of The Three Trees" runs this way.

There were three trees on a hill in the woods. They discussed their hopes and dreams. The 1st tree said, "Someday, I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems and be decorated with intricate carvings. Everyone would see my beauty."

The 2nd tree said, "Someday, I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of my strong hull." Finally, the 3rd tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. One came to the 1st tree and said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the 2nd tree, one of the other woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it in the shipyard." The 2nd tree was happy, because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the 3rd tree, the tree was frightened, because it knew that if it cuts down, its dream would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don’t need anything! special from my tree, so I’ll take this one," and he cut it down. When the 1st tree arrived at the carpenter’s, he was made into a feed box for animals, placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he dreamed of.
The 2nd tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a poor man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth, and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but the manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose, and the tree didn’t think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace," and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, a humble man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of a hill and be as close to God as possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that, when things don’t seem to be going your way, always know that God has a greater plan for you. If you place your trust in him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined but with a divine purpose.

We don’t always know what God’s plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

The parable is on the religious aspect. On the socio economic point of view, why do we plant and care not only a tree but trees?

First, because of the beauty of the trees! To view a tree is very enjoyable with its multi colored leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Second, planting and caring of trees provide good exercise. It is a science and art. Prevention of the attack of pests and diseases is science. Laying out a plantation is an art.

Third, trees mitigate the effect of strong winds. Trunks and leaves block the speed of wind.

Fourth, it cools the area. A 10 year old tree cools an area equal to one horsepower air condition unit. Trees provide shade and shelter for both man and animal like monkeys and birds.

Fifth, trees conserve the soil as it prevents soil erosion. It serves as water banks when it absorbs water during rainy season and releases water during dry season.

Sixth, trees reduce pollution as it takes in carbon dioxide emitted by vehicles and other engines. On the other hand, trees release oxygen for man to breath.

Seventh, trees provide food like fruits and nuts. Oil can be produced. Trees provide livelihood for any person.

Eight, trees are sources of medicine like Banaba, Guyabano, Coconut, Guava, and others.

Nine, when matured, trees maybe cut and sewn into lumber, manufactured into furniture, use in house construction, bridges, and boat. People may ride in it, pass on it, sit on it, sleep on it, and keep things inside it.

There are other valuable reasons to plant and care the trees. You please add on and enrich the uses of trees.

There are two kinds of trees which are forest trees, and the fruit trees.

Forest trees do not yield edible fruits for men. However, wild animals feast on its fruits. Should I give example of forest trees? Bakhawan, Narra, and others.

I do not need to name fruit trees. You know them. Who does not eat fruits? Want to plant trees? It is very easy. But the test to grow it is in the care. One can plant trees by the hundreds a day but it will only die as fast if not given the required care.

Trees seedlings need area to grow both for root system and foliage. It must be provided with enough moisture until its roots had developed. Weeds must be removed, fenced to prevent destruction from animals. Tree like man is sensitive. Provide its needs, it grows luxuriant and beautiful. Give no care, it dies.

Therefore, plant and care trees for it pays doing it. /MP