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Monday, October 6, 2008

Needing Each Other

Have you had the desire to isolate yourself recently? As conflicts arise in the workplace and remain unresolved, we may become convinced that we could work better alone. At times, we may also become convinced that we do not need others in our lives. The following story demonstrates why the exact opposite is true.

A boy was extended an invitation to visit his uncle who was a lumberjack up in the Northwest... His uncle met him at the depot. As the two pursued their way to the lumber camp, the boy was impressed by the enormous size of the trees on every land. There was a gigantic tree, which he observed standing all alone on top of a small hill. The boy, full of awe, called out excitedly, "Uncle George, look at that big tree! It will make a lot of good lumber, won't it?"

Uncle George slowly shook his head, then replied, "No, son, that tree will not make a lot of good lumber. It might make a lot of lumber, but not a lot of good lumber. When a tree grows off by itself, too many branches grow on it. Those branches produce knots when the tree is cut into lumber. The best lumber comes when they grow together in groves. The trees also grow taller and straighter when they grow together." It is so with people. We become better individuals, more useful timber, when we grow together. (Author unknown)

It takes more than one tree to make a forest. When there is a storm, the surrounding trees share the punishing winds, rains, and snow, sometimes affording protection to the trees in the middle. Such is the case with the people with whom we work and live. Their presence can help us grow tall and strong as we grow personally and spiritually.

While there is beauty in the many branches that a solitary tree may spawn, the knotholes may weaken the fiber of the tree just as isolating ourselves from others may weaken us.

“I stand tall and strong, secure in the knowledge that the presence of other trees around me makes me even stronger.” - Mary Rau-Foster

6 comments:

Henry Tong said...

Not really. It depends on which aspects you look at Life. I am happiest and most contented on my own. When you are in deep trouble and are down and out, please count the number of real friends who would be there for you. Can you count them with both hands? Or even one hand? I don't mean needing a lift to the corner shop to buy a tube of toothpaste. I mean when you really need help.

Henry Tong said...

“I stand tall and strong, secure in the knowledge that the presence of other trees around me makes me even stronger.” - Mary Rau-Foster

Does she mean safety in numbers?

It is just psychological. A human being is always alone and will always be alone.

Karin said...

Yes, there will be times when you can feel happy and contented on your own but I am sure you will agree that when you have some good news, you will want to share it with some of your closest friends and family. And it is the same when you are down, you will feel better if you have someone to support and give you encouragement. You do not need many friends but some who will always be there for you. Don't you feel most happy when you go for lunch with a group of friends at your favourite hangout?

Henry Tong said...

" Don't you feel most happy when you go for lunch with a group of friends at your favourite hangout?"

True. If friends would walk a bit slower as I am a very slow walker. :)

Henry Tong said...

No. You are right. I was trying to be obnoxious because I was not feeling well this afternoon. I do apologize.

Everybody needs somebody.

Anonymous said...

The saying "everybody need somebody" is very true. As we grow older we find that we are getting lesser and lesser friends. Our former classmates, our workmates and our immediate family. Every now and then we hear news about so and so has passed on. So, treasure what you have right in front of you. Who knows what is around the corner!
Jackie