From Fomation to becoming Fruitful !

The cashew tree in our garden is a story teller! With fruits at different stages, from an early stage to fully ripened state, it offers a delightful sight to watch!

Is not life such a panorama of beginning, formation and fruitful years?

I watched how the tree provides sustenance to its flowers and fruits in all stages of formation! 

Our life on earth is such an opportunity to allow beginning, formation and fruitful years! It is the family where we were born which gave the support for these three stages in our lives. 

I have had occasions to have conversations with families during the parenting seminars in the last two years. I took time to turn to my years in my family till marriage and since marriage in the family that Anna and I have been blessed with!

We encounter many life events during our life in the family. 

Returning to the cashew tree which is now ten years old, suffered pruning almost every year. Its vigorous growth in all directions seemed to affect the trees around obstructing their growth. Now in its present state it has space for itself and receives good sunshine to bring forth  fruits in plenty. 

The formative process of the tree needed attention. Its wellness and the wellness of trees around are important in a well tended garden.  

When I retired from full time professional work from a Medical College three years ago on turning 75 years, few friends strongly suggested that Anna and I turn to writing to summarise the forty years in child development and rehabilitation. Those friends were thoughtful and persuasive, helping us to be absorbed in the writing projects which remained unattended earlier. They had a priming and pruning effect on us. Now with the fifth book ready to go to the press during the three years, I realise how significant the role of this formation group was upon us to support us! I wish every person during mid life and beyond will have such a formation group to lead him or her into fruitful living!

Each life event needs an interpretation beyond a subjective perception. It needs an enlargement which friends can offer through their objectivity and enlarged perception. 

I wonder if each family can have a friend circle which becomes its confidant and formative in their role! 

The journey from formation to fruitful years is our calling!

A cashew tree having experienced formative pruning is now fruitful !

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)