Tree Carvings

I was hiking on one of my favorite local trails yesterday with my pup. I love that particular park b/c the trails are really well kept and for the most part the only sign of civilization is the trail itself and the colored blaze marks on trees to help guide the way. It was a beautiful day and I saw only two people on my trek. As I stopped next to the river for a quick rest I noticed this tree covered with carvings. I've hiked on these trails for about six years and never noticed any trees covered with carvings like this one (see video).

The carvings were pretty typical. Some were initials, some full names and dates. There was a heart carved around the words "Kate and Sam". I wonder if they were still together? There was one intriguing carving that simply said "yes". I'd like to think it was a heart filled moment where a young woman accepted the marriage proposal of a young handsome suitor. Of course it could have been a really excited fisherman who caught a huge bass and wanted the world to know the answer to the question "Is it a keeper?".

As I stood there and studied the tree carvings a thought came to mind. I think most people really want to leave their "mark" on this world. I mean, what a depressing thought to live one's life only for self and never really do anything significant. Now, not everyone is going to be a Martin Luther King Jr. or a  Mother Theresa. But we can all look outside of our own small world and look for ways to make a difference. Feed the homeless for a day, mentor a kid...smile at someone. I wonder sometimes if people struggle with problems in themselves because they only focus on themselves. I mean seriously, if I look in the mirror long enough I will find faults. But if I look to others I find needs that I can help fill and I tend to lighten up on myself. I guess the bottom line is, let's leave our mark on people and not on trees. The bark on a tree will eventually grow over the carvings, but for the most part, a kind deed won't fade away.

That's why I love Jesus and His teachings so much. He broke it down really simple. Love God and love people...at the same time. Jesus was teaching one time and He said that even when we give a cup of water to a kid in His name, it's like we are giving it to Him. Any notion that God is distant and rigid and grumpy should dissolve when you listen to the words of Jesus. So, I think it's not just in the big huge Earth shaking events that we leave our mark. It's also in the day to day kindness to others.

What do you think? Can you leave your carving in someone else's life?