Wednesday, October 20, 2010

The Giving Tree

Have you ever read The Giving Tree? Perhaps when you were a child, or maybe to your children. Now, I mean have you ever really read it? If you are thinking "Yeah I think I remember that book" then you haven't really read it. If you really read it, it will stick with you forever.



This book is, by far, one of my all time favorite books. Such a good story, nice length and cute illustrations. The book is illustrated in simple black and white pictures and I think that Shel Silverstein did that for a reason. I think he wanted his words to shine through more than the pictures. This book makes me think each and every time a read it. What an amazing lesson buried in this book!

The tree gave everything to the one she loved. She literally gave everything. Not only did she give all of herself to the one she loved, but she was happy. I'm sorry, but if that doesn't touch your heart somehow, you are crazy! I want to be like that tree. I want to give all of myself to the ones I love. I want to give all of myself to God. I want to give all off myself to my husband, children, family, friends, church. I want to give everything and be happy. Too many days when Jayce wakes up I think to myself "Ughhhh I just want to sleep in!". Why? I am selfish because of my flesh. Jesus was able to give all of himself, but he was flawless. I am not. I should be happy to wake up and tend to Jayce, no matter what. I'm not saying I dread dealing with my children and don't want to get out of bed, I just really enjoy sleeping (I am sure there are a few of you out there who feel the same way). The tree makes sacrifices to make the boy happy. I want to learn to make sacrifices. I strive to be a selfless mom and wife. Unfortunately I have a long way to go. Just ask my kids or husband. I fall short on a daily basis. Reading this story to my kids helps me stay focused on what matters. Giving myself to the ones I love matters.

Are there any children books out there that do more than just tell a story to you? Do you have a copy in your home library for your kids to enjoy? I would love to know of more books like The Giving Tree!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

R's fave book is Goodnight Moon. We can recite it literally. I really like Go Away, Dark Night and several Veggie Tales books.

The Giving Tree is a great book, I am off to buy a copy.

rachel... said...

Thanks for the reminder. I need these sometimes. Like today. I am a perpetual work in progress.

Brandi said...

Awww, that is a great book! Let's see... Guess How Much I Love You and Runaway Bunny are pretty sweet. Love You Forever is sweet, but it makes me cry every time I read it, so it doesn't get read much. ;)