Aspire to Inspire Before You Expire

The Parable of the Four Sons and the Pear Tree

A father sent his four sons on a journey to discover the same pear tree. Each son was sent out in a different season of the year so that the father could teach them not to judge things too quickly.

A year later they came back and the first son who went in winter reported that the pear tree was ugly, bent and twisted.

The second son who discovered the pear tree in spring stated that the tree was covered with green buds and full of promises.

The son who found the tree in summer described the pear tree as laden with blossoms that smelled sweet and was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.

The fourth son who came upon the tree in the fall disagreed with all three and shared how it was ripe and drooping with fruit and full of fulfillment.

The father explained to his sons that they were all right because they had each seen only one season in the tree’s life. You can not judge a tree or a person by only one season. The essence of who they are, and the pleasure, joy and the love that come from that life, can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when its winter you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, and the fulfillment of your fall. Don’t let the pain of one season destroy the joy of the rest. Don’t judge life by one difficult season.

Persevere through the difficult patches, and better times are sure to come in time.

Aspire to inspire…Before you expire.

Live simply, love generously, and care deeply.

Happiness keeps you sweet. Trials keep you strong. Sorrow keeps you human. Failure keeps you humble. Success keeps you growing. Thank you for being a special person in every season of my life.

Perhaps she did it on purpose. Last day of class and all. Showing us this incredibly touching slide show with that heart-wrenching song, as if injecting guilt. Then she gives us an assessment to fill in. Sigh.

But the slide show was fantastic. I can't find it but I found that the messages are the same. Enjoy!