The picture of the weeping blossoming cherry tree symbolizes the changes I have experienced over the past 13 years. Recently I turned 49 and I began to reflect on my life and the changes I have experienced over these years.
This weeping blossoming cherry tree was given to my family and me as a gift by members of our Sunday School class. We were leaving one congregation in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania or more exactly, in Souderton, PA and moving to Lancaster County, PA to begin a pastorate in a Leola, PA congregation. The tree was about three feet tall and came with money attached to the small tree limbs. It was really a neat gift and we appreciated it.
In those thirteen years, our children have gone from teenagers and children to young adults. Our children are 26, 24 and 21 respectively. They have successfully navigated the teenage years and all but one have made it through college. They have become productive young adults and we are proud of them.
Also in those thirteen years, I have changed professions. I am now a full-time realtor. This change has been challenging, exhilirating and more taxing than I ever imagined. I did not realize how difficult this transition would be. I definitely know why so many stay in a job they no longer love. Inertia is hard to overcome.
You can see the tree has grown substantially over these past 13 years and has survived much snow, heat, rain and all that mother nature has thrown at her. As I observe this tree and reflect on these past 13 years, I am filled with gratitude. I do not want to change the past, but accept it for what it is. I do not know what the next 13 years will hold, but believe I will get out of life what I put into it.
