Two trees of the same evergreen species were planted on the same day, only a few feet apart. One continued to thrive, while the other gradually shed all of its leaves. We discussed uprooting the leafless tree and replacing it with a new one. But those who had experience with plants and trees said, “Wait. Trees don’t die that easily. See here, when you snap a branch, it’s still green inside.” And sure enough, within a few weeks, little green nubs poking out from the naked branches.
More often than not, I am impatient and want instant results. I give up on people after only a handful of frustrations. When my mom exhibits more patience and I ask her, “What made you keep trying, long after I decided to give up?” She’ll simply shrug, and say, “There was more that could be done.” “But how did you know?!” “I have more experience.”
Experience is the difference between stressing out and patiently waiting, it’s the ability to know when to push forward and when to pull back. But I don’t want to wait until I’m 90 years old to finally have enough experience. Experience can be garnered through many second-hand sources – from stories we’re told, news reports, books, movies…and even trees.
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