Short-Lived Redbud

Several years ago i brought home a gallon of redbud seeds from the woods near the house i grew up in, in Indiana. Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are a delightful little spring-blooming tree, whose pinky-red "buds" are followed by heart-shaped leaves.

I now live on the northernmost edge of the range of redbud, so i planted my little seedlings in the sunniest location i have, on the edge of the woods, facing south.

One of these redbuds now overarches a third of my herb garden. And it looks like it will fall victim to the new construction of a garage.

Something dear and delightful is going to die--very soon.
Everything we cherish will perish.

We could take the attitude "Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we will die," but this intemperateness trades desperation for momentary pleasure.

Seeing clearly the desperateness of our situation, we could instead feel grateful for what we have. Gratefulness leads to joy, and joy feels like love.

I love my redbud tree.