What Kind of a Tree are You?

I had a professor, one very near and dear to my heart, ask us this question in class last quarter.  "If you were a tree, what kind would you be and why?" 

That is an interesting question, and one that I have never thought about.   I would like to think of myself as some really extraordinary, cool tree.  Something like a glorious, majestic cedar tree that smells like winter, or even an evergreen—Christmas trees make families happy and in the spirit of giving—but the truth is, I am neither of those; nor am I any other spectacular tree constantly bringing joy to others.  I think I relate to a persimmon tree.

You may be thinking, huh, a persimmon tree.  I know—odd tree to choose.  However, when I think about it, a persimmon tree is very much my “spirit tree”.  The tree grows up to produce fruit.  This fruit that it produces has a prime season when it is ripe and delicious (if you like persimmons).  However, when the fruit is not ripe, it leaves a very astringent aftertaste. 

Just like the persimmon tree, I have grown up to “blossom” into my intelligence, wisdom (kind of), and experience.  I have produced fruit—both good and bad.  My fruit is my characteristics.  I have good ones, but I have some bad ones too.  Just like the unripe persimmon, I can be very bitter and negative, making others think I am “astringent”.  On the other hand, and hopefully more times than none, I would like to think I produce the good fruit—the ripe fruit—the fruit that is sweet, sensitive, and refreshing—a positive fruit. 

I think we all have times that we are proud of and times that we are not.  I will strive my hardest to produce more “good fruit” than bad that way my tree will survive and be successful.  

Matthew 7:16 says, "You will recognize them by their fruits.  Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes  or figs from thistles?"  

So, think about it.  What kind of tree are you?  What are some things you could change to better yourself?  How can you inspire others and yourself to be the "good" fruit?   

Resources:

found image at http://www.pbase.com/image/69821109
found image #2 at http://christianity.about.com/od/verseoftheday/qt/verseday212.htm
Bible NLT, Translation TNL, Translation NL.  The Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers; July 1, 1997.