This is not the picture I set out to take today. In fact, it's the sort of picture that captures you on the way to do something else...like setting out to snap a quick shot of a potential listing from across the street. I'm in the parking lot of the Church of St. Johns on Bridge St. in Grand Rapids, Michigan and as I turn to get back into my car, I'm struck by the simple elegance of this structure. I am reminded of the simplicity and clarity that faith can bring to life and community.
I pass this orchard on my way home. The strange, yet twisted beauty of these clipped trees is almost reminiscent of a scene from a sci-fi movie. It's been a few days since I saw the farmer out pruning. It's absolutely necessary if there's going to be a good harvest. But, at this time of the year, there's an ungainly ugliness about the process.
I'm thinking about the messiness of faith. We're often clipped and pruned through trials and hardship. Sometimes, it's ugly to observe from the outside...very unlike the serene beauty of the church taken on the same day within a mile of this seemingly mangled mess of trees.
But, I've lived here long enough to know that the process is not only necessary, but good. To bear fruit, trees need tough love to strip away dead stuff which will hinder healthy growth. It's not unlike the challenges of being a real estate agent.
Today...experienced agents and new agents find themselves together in the same boat. It's no longer about knowing how to navigate across the landscape...the very essence of the landscape has been altered. We can choose to live in suspended disbelief or recognize that the same essence that dresses the church with serenity grants strength to the wounded tree to deepen it's roots and find a new measure of strength to blossom again.
Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved
Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. We've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients succeed in their goals of purchasing and selling property including demonstrated success in the negotiation of Short Sale Transactions. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511.
Hi Lola,
Wonderful analogy and beautiful photos....
Jo
Lola,
Another great post...going through the 'metamorphosis' you describe creates a phenomenon that raises the church to the realm of supernatural...like pruned trees yield superior fruit...so the church produces 'wounded healers'! Thanks, Fran
Lola what a picture in contrasts...so symbolic......its interesting how the story unfolds in the telling isn't it.....? Lovely...
Lola~
I've bookmarked this post and hope that it gets featured. It is an example of why I subscribe to your BLOG. When you shared this..." I've lived here long enough to know that the process is not only necessary, but good. To bear fruit, trees need tough love to strip away dead stuff which will hinder healthy growth. It's not unlike the challenges of being a real estate agent. ..." I sighed and smiled... Thanks!
Hello Lola, Great photos and comments. Taking the time to observe and photograph can really have an impact on attitudes and emotions can't it? Music is another way to stop and reflect.
Thank you
Hello Lola, Great photos and comments. Taking the time to observe and photograph can really have an impact on attitudes and emotions can't it? Music is another way to stop and reflect.
Thank you