Two Trees

There are two trees growing inside of me. One is the tree of righteousness the other, death.

My thoughts are their nutrients, my actions the water. Where I point my mind determines which tree I prepare to grow. Where I point my body provides the life giving water. Nutrients without water amounts to little, but the combination of the two creates growth.

For years I provided abundant nutrients and water to the tree of death. Its roots grew deep and wide, clutching my mind in its grip. Its trunk was thick, its branches were many, the canopy towered above me until it blocked out the Son.

All the while the seed of righteousness sat in waiting. In the shadow of death it bided its time, patiently waiting for a sprinkle of nutrient, a drop of water. One day this happened. I shifted my thoughts ever so slightly and clasped my hands in prayer. In that moment the seed burst open thrusting its root deep into the ground that was my mind.

I did not notice this change. I did not shift my wicked ways. The tree of death’s grip was strong.

Even so the seed of righteousness sent its roots wider. As it encountered the roots of death a battle began for supremacy. Although death was far larger, older, and stronger righteousness was patient. It slowly trimmed away at death. Conquering areas long since under its powers.

As righteousness began to spread its roots wider and wider death took notice, but it was too late. A sapling had sprouted! Its needs were so little; able to survive and grow with only the barest amount of care.

As the sapling grew I devoted more of my nutrients, more of my water to its care. Death became angry. Where once it had ruled without challenge, it now had to fight for its foothold.

As the battle raged on years passed. With each passing year death’s tree began to shrink. Its leaves began to fall, its roots began to recede. Until one day when it realized that the tree of righteousness had surpassed it. While death had won itself my attention followed by my actions here and there, Righteousness became the main focus of my attention.

As a human the tree of death will always remain. Its roots securely fastened to our flesh, but starved of its life force death becomes dormant. Only mustering enough strength for the occasional attack.