A priest was in charge of the garden within a famous Zen temple. He had been given the job because he loved the flowers, shrubs, and trees. Next to the temple there was another, smaller temple where there lived a very old Zen master.
One day, when the priest was expecting some special guests, he took extra care in tending to the garden. He pulled the weeds, trimmed the shrubs, combed the moss, and spent a long time meticulously raking up and carefully arranging all the dry autumn leaves. As he worked, the old master watched him with interest from across the wall that separated the temples.
When he had finished, the priest stood back to admire his work. "Isn't it beautiful," he called out to the old master. "Yes," replied the old man, "but there is something missing. Help me over this wall and I'll put it right for you."
The priest lifted the old fellow over and set him down. Slowly, the master walked to the tree near the center of the garden, grabbed it by the trunk, and shook it. Leaves showered down all over the garden.
"There," said the old man, "you can put me back now."
Jesus often shook people up when he felt that things were getting a little too comfortable. People often used the term stress when their lives are out of control. However, if you feel burnout because you are feeling stagnated from your work or personal life then find ways to “branch out.”
That could mean putting in for a job that is more challenging, or learning a new set of skills to make your job more meaningful. If you really are at a dead end, and finding another job is not an option, then branch out in your personal life—ramp up the excitement level outside work by getting started on that list of things you would like to do “if only,” or things you have in the back of your mind that you would like to try but just have not taken the first step yet. Perhaps you can take a class and learn to play a musical instrument or pick up your camera and take a walk in the beautiful of the season or read a spiritual book. I need to get back into the woods and take more autumn photos like today’s “walk in the woods” image.
Jesus watches over us as we reflect: “In that day the branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel.” (Isaiah 4:2).
Lord, I promise to pray for all my Sonshine Friends who need to branch out and see their beautiful within. Give us the eyes to take a moment to walk in the woods this Autumn and see the glory of your creation.
