Apple Seed

An apple tree grows from the seed of an apple. That makes sense, right? However, the new apple tree that springs forth from that seed is not an exact duplicate. It’s an apple tree. It bears fruit – apples like the other one. It’s just like the original, but different. Nature can replicate, but not total precise likeness. Humans are just like that, we come from other humans. We are alike, but so not the same. It is strange how a couple can have three or four children. They come from the same stock, but are completely unalike.

I enjoy watching people. It’s fun to look at the video clips about what a person looked like then and how they look now. Sometimes they look nearly the same, just a little more mature. However, there are those that time and life has significantly changed them. Choices in our lives makes such an impact on how we represent where we came from and where we are headed.

What I’m trying to say is no matter how much parents teach, train, and live out an example for their children to follow. They will turn out just like that other apple tree that grew from the seed. It’s still an apple tree, but has its own qualities. Our children grow into adults, like us, but are independent adults.

Parents don’t be discouraged when all that you poured into your children seems to have bounced off of them. Take heart. They grew up under your roof – sheltered and protected. Once they left that guarded haven, life happened. The best advice I can offer is to be confident that above all else that child knows they are loved. They may have strayed from the path you thought they might follow, but its alright. They are their own person, responsible for their actions and choices. Deep inside they remember the truths you taught them.

If we are honest, we don’t really want them to be the exact duplicate of ourselves. We have plenty of faults and struggles of our own. We want them to be happy and fruitful. Encourage them often – that’s just like adding a little sunshine to help them to grow – much like an apple tree.