Let's Chop Down Some Trees

I read this story on my friend’s FB page. It was worthy of paying it forward.

My friend wrote: “One night, when my son who was five years old, spent the night with me. After lying in bed for a while, after the lights were out, he suddenly sat up and asked, "Why did Adam and Eve follow the snake and not God?"

I was like, “Seriously????” (I was almost asleep.) So, I sat up in bed and gave a beautiful monologue on “Free will” and how we each have choices and must be responsible for our own decisions. Adam and Eve made a choice, and they had to live with the consequences of that choice. We, too, must live with the results of our choices.

He looked at me like that was the stupidest thing he ever heard. I stared back and finally said, "What???" Somehow, I felt I had failed a 5-year-old with my lack of wisdom, even though I knew my view of free will was right on the money.

He looked me and said, "I would have just chopped down the tree." “What??” He, in 5-year-old language, said he didn't understand what all the drama was about. Why didn't they just remove the temptation?

His answer was better. He shrugged his shoulders, laid back down, pulled the covers up, and fell back asleep. I stayed awake, trying to wrap my head around the beautiful simplicity of a child’s approach to facing life’s decisions.

Sometimes, we have stuff/people/personal struggles that cause drama. Instead of just eliminating the temptation, we battle with ourselves, others, and God. That doesn't make much sense after a 5-year-old broke it down for us. Maybe it's time we chop down a few trees.”

Back to Donna’s thoughts. Oh, how that blog touched my soul. I think of those things – like chocolate (my passion) that keeps these extra pounds on me. Or the battles in my mind that keeps me worrying. Goodness, like that little guy, I need to chop down some trees.

Drama in our lives often stems from the everyday struggles that seem to tug at our hearts and minds relentlessly. If we'd just eliminate the temptation to complain, worry, and battle with ourselves, others, and God, we'd find a peace that surpasses understanding.

It's in the letting go -- choosing to trust rather than fret, to pray rather than argue, and to love rather than resent. That’s when we discover a deeper joy and purpose. Life is too short to be mired in negativity. Let's chop down some trees today!