Trees

TREE

SAnd relationships

An instructional slideshow by Ethan Unklesbay

THE TREE OF UNDERSTANDING

DEEP ROOTS Branches which bend rather than break

Getting to know one another

Tolerance of differences

• Spending quality time together

• Building memories together

Able to fall back on solid commitments instead of letting a current “storm” break the relationship

Trusting rather than doubting

Willingness to change without abandoning oneself

THE SHADE TREE

• Depend on and open up to

• Share our personal feelings, dreams, fears, etc.

Someone we can

• Strong and lasting friendship

• Understanding• A system of support and

security

We develop

• Develop romance• “Make it through the

winter”

We do not

THE SHADE TREE

Things to gainThings still lacking

THE FRUIT TREE

A little bit of

romance

Fun and exciting activities

and memories

Protection and

security of a

shade tree

Remember again that neither fruit trees nor shade trees have what it takes to make it through a “hard winter”. Fruit trees will only bear fruit for a season.

THINK ABOUT WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE THE SHADE TREES

What has been gained?

What is different in a better way?

What is still missing?

Why does that missing thing matter?

REMEMBER!Trees of Understanding must have deep roots and branches that will bend rather than break

Fruit trees bear fruit only for a season

Shade trees will comfort and protect us

The proverbial “fruit” of the fruit tree is not physical affection; rather, the memories, fun, and excitement that will enrich a relationship

THE EVERGREEN TREE

This is what we seek to grow, a deep-rooted, strong-limbed relationship that will endure.

The evergreen tree casts shade and stays green in all seasons. It may not always bear fruit that seems immediately gratifying, but leaves a strong and protected fruit (the pinecone) that is sure to last.

STRONG BRANCHES HOLD UP THROUGH WINTER STORMS AND BEAR THE HEAVY SNOW

Growth

seems limitle

ss

A forest of shade

trees

A small orchard of fruit trees

One majestic evergree

n