Family Tree: A Poem For Those Questioning Worth

Family Tree

Does a shooting star measure it's worth by the distance that it travels? Does a fire measure its worth by how long the flame gives its glow? Do birds measure their worth by the glamour of their nests that they so carefully build? Does a tree measure it's worth by its dominative presence over another? No. Stars emintate their light so that those may find hope and beauty in the dark. A fire's quality  is measured by its fortitude and it's ability to provide warmth and comfort to those who need it. Birds measure the quality of their nests by their ability to nurture and protect their young. Trees measure their worth by their connections to each other.

Do not let yourself for a second fall into the trap of believing that worth or accomplishment is somehow limited by the oh so human confines of money, status, or title. The universe is too vast and powerful for such a thing. So are you.

The world changes every day for the better by all the selfless acts of kindness that often go unseen and unspoken of. Like ripples out in space and time, their effects are limitless. Do not lose sight of the power that you hold in your heart. Of how impactful your presence can be. Just by being you.

Years will come and they will go. We will all continue to change and evolve. New memories and perspectives will be made. What will last forever are the not so small acts of kindness that seep down into the core of all the souls that have been touched by you, and thereby you as well, like rings in a tree. Precious things that may not always be seen to the naked eye, but what makeup the strength of such a complex wonderful entity.

Next time you notice you question yourself in this way, ask yourself: If the success of ones life is measured in acts of love, then how can you celebrate and acknowledge all the wonderful ways that you have been a light in the world to others? How might one singular gift you have given might have grown or will at some point branch out to bear fruit in the lives of thousands of others, of millions. You do not know, and will never know the impact your presence and how you choose to show up has on this world.

Your family tree is in one way a very human and blood related matter. In another and much grander scale, maybe your family tree is made up of the light that you have shared and received. All the moments in time that may seem to be passed, but in actuality are acts of love that transcend both space and time. That never go away.

Maybe your guiding light already is giving hope in the night skies of others. Maybe your flame already is enough and is nurturing others. Maybe the nest you have helped build for your family is sturdy and creates a safe space for your little ones to thrive and face their own needed hardships to grow strong. Maybe your family tree is vast and rooted, and reaches out further than you know