For nothing can be sole or whole

One of these two beautiful branches, already lush with new leaves, must be cut. But once pruned, the remaining branch will straighten as it reaches for the sun.

It will grow faster, and the whole tree will live many years longer -- all by cutting it back today. 

Sometimes we are like this tree. We go in too many directions, and can't seem to do any one thing well. 

When this happens, we need to give something up, to choose which direction we want and stick with it.

The results will be well worth the price.

The lilacs come early to spread their lavender splash. 

Apple trees burst into white, cherry blossoms into pink, and each weaves its unique and pleasant perfume.

They don't bloom because someone told them to, or because they will receive anything in return. 

They bloom for the pure joy of blooming.

They bloom because that is what they are here to do. 

Each one of us blooms in our own time, with our own color and fragrance.

Every one of us is a special and important blossom, and we are all part of the tree of life.

When this happened, the other rabbits laughed uproariously at her and called her "Grace." Soon even she forgot her real name. But in the moments when Grace was alone, she danced around the trees with ease. She was as smooth and graceful as any ballerina.

An old owl sat high above her one night, watching her intently. The moonlight streamed through the treetops like a soft spotlight and he sat and watched as little Grace moved in and out of the moonbeams.

Finally he said, "Grace, you are more graceful than any creature I've ever seen." Grace was startled that someone had been watching her, but listened carefully to the wise owl's words as he continued.

"You have carried this beauty within you all the time, but locked it inside when you tried too hard."

If we remember to relax and trust in ourselves, we, too, will discover that we are able.