When I was born, my parents and my mother's parents planted a

"When I was born, my parents and my mother's parents planted a dogwood tree in the side yard of the large white house in which we lived throughout my boyhood. This tree I learned quite early, was exactly my age - was, in a sense, me." These words, spoken by the esteemed John Updike, carry with them a profound reflection on the connection between life and nature, between the growth of the individual and the growth of the world around them. The dogwood tree, planted alongside him in his early years, becomes more than just a plant; it symbolizes his own life and journey. This tree, growing at the same pace as he did, became an emblem of his existence—a living companion, a silent witness to his years, and a reflection of his personal evolution.

From an ancient perspective, this connection between man and nature is not merely symbolic; it is an intrinsic bond that has been recognized by cultures across the ages. The Greeks believed that the gods often took on forms of trees, animals, and other elements of nature, embodying them as manifestations of divine energy and presence. The idea that Updike's growth was mirrored in the dogwood tree is not a new one, but rather an echo of a belief that nature and human life are intertwined. Just as a tree grows, bends, and flourishes, so too does a man’s journey through life, subject to the forces of time and the cycles of change.

In this way, Updike's reflection on the tree reveals an ancient truth: that the self and the world are not separate, but part of a larger, interconnected whole. The dogwood tree is more than just an external presence in his life; it is a reflection of his own growth, his triumphs, his struggles, and the inevitable march of time. It is a living chronicle of his existence, reminding him that just as the tree has roots in the earth, so too does the soul of a person have deep roots in the fabric of life itself.

Consider, for example, the sacred oak trees of the Celts, which were seen as symbols of wisdom and strength. These trees were revered as sacred beings, thought to house spirits and the energies of the land. The ancients understood that the life of the tree mirrored the life of the people, and in this way, they felt a kinship with the natural world. Just as the oak grew tall and sturdy with the seasons, so too did the people. They knew that their fortunes and fates were bound to the rhythms of nature. Updike, in his reflection, aligns himself with this ancient tradition, recognizing that the tree in his yard is not just a symbol of growth, but a living parallel to his own existence.

There is something deeply moving in the realization that the passage of time is marked not only in the human heart but also in the growth of a tree, which bears witness to our lives without judgment, without interruption. Just as King Solomon in his wisdom spoke of the enduring nature of trees, saying, "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree" (Psalm 92:12), so too does Updike find the dogwood to be a marker of the righteous passage of his own years. The tree, like his life, has witnessed the seasons—sometimes flourishing, sometimes weathering storms, but always growing, always enduring.

The lesson here is clear: just as the dogwood tree accompanied Updike through his formative years, we, too, must recognize the bonds we share with the natural world around us. We are not isolated creatures adrift in a sea of time. Our lives are linked to the land, the trees, the seasons, and the rhythms of nature. By acknowledging this connection, we find a deeper sense of purpose and belonging. The world does not simply exist as a backdrop to our lives; it is a living participant in our journey, an ever-present witness to the unfolding of our story.

As we move through the stages of our lives, we should seek to plant our own "dogwood trees," symbols of our growth and our connection to the world around us. Whether through creativity, through family, or through the act of planting literal trees or cultivating gardens, we are called to engage with the earth in a way that reflects our understanding of our place within it. Growth—be it personal, familial, or spiritual—is a shared experience between the human soul and the natural world. Just as Updike found his life reflected in the dogwood tree, so too can we find our own lives mirrored in the world around us.

In practical terms, this means acknowledging the deep and lasting relationship we have with nature. Seek to cultivate roots in the land, whether by planting, nurturing, or simply observing the life around you. Let it serve as a reminder that we are not separate from the world, but an integral part of its ever-changing flow. The tree, like our lives, is not a static thing; it is a living testament to growth, resilience, and the beauty of time itself.