Roots without soil

I was struck by the plight of this tree following a windy rainfall. The roots of the tree which were above the soil surface got wrenched in the wind, making the tree fall. Sights such as this would draw anyone's attention.

The roots provide stability for any tree only if the roots are supported well by the soil. The roots grip the soil and spread widely proportionate to the height and spread of the tree. As the roots are evenly spread out in the soil in adequate depth, the tree trunk and its foliage is made stable. It may sway in the wind, but is held firm. If the soil is clayish, porous, or roots are damaged, the tree is most vulnerable. 

The keeper of the garden is responsible for the fate of this tree. Although a bed was created for the tree with good intention, its roots were not covered with soil to give the tree strength. Many would have noticed this but no one took it seriously about the vulnerability of this tree to fall in a strong wind.

I heard the story of a student staying in the hostel, who drifted with many unhealthy practices under the influence of some of his batch mates and lost a year because he failed twice. He told me regretfully that none of his friends befriended him during that period when he was absent from classes or spent the evenings recklessly. 

'Am I my brother's keeper', is a question which often come up! We are our brother's keeper, if we take the call of God to 'love our neighbour as ourselves'. I still have regrets about not doing enough for my resident colleague, who drifted into substance abuse and could not complete his post graduate training. I spent at least one afternoon with him once a week for two years, helping him out of his habit. He would stay well for a week or two and would relapse into his habit. Till I left the college, I kept up the contact. But that was not good enough. 

We need to keep alert about what happens to our friends and neighbours. Many are vulnerable to pressure of circumstances.  Relationships with each other are what the roots are to the trees. Those relationships need to be held together in trust and mutuality. 

A greater mission in life, is to live mindful of others around us!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)