The Strength of the Willow Tree

A willow tree appears to hardly have a trunk.  It is very small and narrow compared to its long, weepy branches.  If you look at its unimposing trunk, it appears to be weak and even fragile.  Yet, it is not a fragile living plant.  It is one of the toughest.  As the wind blows, as storms rage on in the world, the willow tree will bend and will remain strong.  Rarely, can the fierce storm cause it to break.  You see, there is a secret that the willow tree has learned over the centuries.  The secret lies in its roots.  As bendable as the willow tree may appear to be, deep beneath Earth the roots of the tree are strong, solid and secure.  The tree can bend, but it will not break because of the invisible strength holding onto what we mistake as a frail trunk.  Other trees that grow strong and solid contain a massive trunk.  They look mighty, but in the storms they will snap.  The roots will pull from the ground. 

Even the sad-looking branches of a willow tree contain hope and purpose.  The long, lazy branches allow room for the centered trunk to bend and space for the tree to stretch and move.  We can all learn from this tree.  The lessons of a simple trunk and strong roots to keep us grounded can show us all direction during the storm.

by Tara, http://findingstrengthtostandagain.wordpress.com

See also:
The Oak Tree: Strength in Roots
Good Timber
Hold On Tight!
The Butterfly: Strength Through Adversity