H: Continuing our conversation about trees as a metaphor for getting to the root of the problem…

Given a poor environment, some trees will die, and some will live. Of those that live, some will be stunted, some will be more wonderful and more beautiful because they are stunted, and some will manage to grow into magnificent trees despite the environment. Although it is easiest to grow into a beautiful tree when all the needed ingredients are easily available, sometimes the root structure doesn’t develop as robustly as it would if the growing conditions were more difficult. Sometimes the branches are weaker because they have not learned to bend in the wind.

To be blunt about it: Getting to the root of the problem means providing humanity with the tools it needs to develop, without removing a certain level of difficulty necessary for spiritual growth.