Joel and the Giving Tree

We all like to think of ourselves as generous and giving – I know I do. And I suppose we are, each in our own way.

The old Shel Silverstein book – “The Giving Tree” – was a favorite of one of my children. We always read at least a couple books at bedtime each night, and I’ll bet more than half the nights for many years included “The Giving Tree”.

In many ways, the book never made sense to me. It talked about a tree that seemed to exist only to give. Even when the result of the giving was misused or misunderstood, or the gift was poorly used. The tree just kept giving.

I suppose it didn’t make sense to me because the act of giving, at it’s most extreme level, makes no sense. We live in a world of ledger sheets, and the human mind works like a ledger sheet. We weigh the pros and the cons of every action, and we choose our actions based on likely outcomes of our actions.

The Giving Tree, on the other hand, just gives. Nothing more. No judgement, no questions, no evaluation.

There’s a need, and so he gives.

I’m reminded of that story today, as a friend flies to a distant city to donate a kidney to his father.

Best of luck on the operation Joel – the thoughts and prayers of many are with you and your dad as you share some time beneath that Giving Tree.

Author: Neil Hanson

Neil administers this site and manages content. View all posts by Neil Hanson