When we first moved into our new home back in November, I remember looking out at the three trees in our backyard and wondering if they were going to make it through the cold winter. There was something very peculiar about them. Almost eerie during those cold months. They were dull, drab, and almost unpleasant to look at. They certainly weren’t something I would have chosen to accompany the beauty of our new backyard.

All winter long, I found myself staring out our back glass windows, looking at those trees. Often wondering if we should cut them down and start over with something newer, fresher, and maybe something a little more pleasant to look at.

A few months passed by, and spring finally came. One day I noticed a few blooms on, not one, but all three of our trees. I gladly welcomed mother nature to do her work. A few weeks later, as I sat staring out our kitchen window, I noticed that all three trees were full of leaves.

One, in particular, caught my eye, though. The biggest of the three, not only was full of beautiful green leaves that poured over our backyard, but I also noticed the large area of shade that lay beneath its branches: shade from the sun and the heat of the summer months. Shade for picnics and reading books and shade for sweet Beckett’s afternoon naps. Shade to eat watermelon and strawberries, shade for laughing, and shade for making memories with those that mean the most to me.

When I sit and think about the transformation of our trees from winter to summer and, more importantly, the significance of our little shady tree, I am left in a state of awe. How our once little pitiful trees could transform into something truly beautiful and end up bringing us so much joy amazes me—nature at its very finest.

Now, each day when it’s time to step out back for some fresh air, I quickly grab my favorite quilt made by my great-grandmother, spread it out, and find a spot for Beckett to enjoy the beauty of the day. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing the simple moments in life with those I love the most.

Ironic, isn’t it? How is it that such a pitiful little tree could grow to be the one thing that has brought my little family and me more joy than anything else?

Holly Paul

Holly is a 42 year old wife and mom to 3 boys, from Nashville, Tennessee. She is a hot tea lover, book reader, journal keeper, Pinterest pinner, podcast listener, y’all sayer, self-taught graphic designer, hobbyist photographer, writer and dreamer of all things big and small. You can find all of her ramblings here at Blu Nest Bloom.