We previously learned (http://southernfigs.blogspot.com/2012/01/youre-beanstalk.html) from Rabbi Shneerson that the ma’ala of trees is that they never stop growing. Rabbi Shneerson further suggests that we learn not only the concept of growth from the trees, but also some methods to achieve continuous growth.
When a tree is first planted the coating around the seed needs to be broken by the emerging root in order for it to blossom. The seed needs to allow itself to be broken in order to take in the necessary water and then eventually take root and sprout. In allowing its coat to rot the seed opens itself up to the nurturing powers of the soil.
We can employ the same method in our attempts to continuously grow. First we have to let our outer coating rot. We need to open ourselves up to the nurturing power of Toras Hashem by riding ourselves of haughtiness and accepting God’s dominion over us.
David HaMelech taught us (Tehillim 126) that those who plant with tears will harvest with joy. It is not easy to plant, long days of physical labor with uncertain outcomes. But only those who plant on through the hardship can harvest a crop. It is not easy to rid oneself of haughtiness and accept the kingship of Hashem, but breaking down the soul is the tree’s path to joyously harvesting continuous growth.
In our Shemona Esrei we ask God to sprout for us the seedling of King David. Maybe the craziness of the world around us is intended to help us break down our coating, humbling us, and thereby opening us up to the nurturing power of Hashem, allowing for the sprouting of Mashiach ben David.
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