Dead Wood

My husband has been cutting down the dead trees in our backyard this week, since they no longer produce leaves and pose a falling hazard. Something about this process has been "cleansing" for him. He comes in each day talking about how the yard looks "new" and "healthy" and how there will be room for new trees to grow now that the diseased trees have been trimmed. He's also happy that the chopped wood will take on new life in someone's fireplace.

I can't help but see the symbolism in this otherwise mundane activity. Ridding yourself of "dead wood" makes room for newer, fresher, and healthier thoughts, ideas, and relationships. I don't mean to say that "old" or "dying" things are useless, because they're not. They are a part of the necessary cycle of living. I am saying, though, that it is necessary to clear the woods and make room for new life every once in awhile.

MWM Turns 30