Trees, Wind, and Junior High

I don't know if you saw the article in the paper last week regarding the wind we were having and trees.  It struck a cord with me, and prompted some thoughts.  The article was in some sort of gardening section that I typically don't read, but there was some sort of a snappy title that caught my attention, I don't know what it was now...I guess it wasn't that snappy!  Anyway, the lady was sharing that it is fine to tie up little trees to poles and stakes when they are young because it helps them to grow.  But, once they get bigger they should be untied and allowed to "blow in the wind."  This will help them to increase flexibility and grow strong roots.  If they are tied to tightly to the stakes and poles, when they reach maturity they will be weak and brittle.  Any little wind will snap or uproot them.  Mmmmh.  Immediately, my mind went to junior high-that is usually where my mind goes.  How similar to these young people we have here at school and you have in your home.  Now is the time to let them get blown around a bit by life and its circumstances.  Now is the time for them to learn from mistakes and figure out how to deal with issues and pressures they will no doubt continue to encounter as adults.  Tied too tightly to you and they will never fully develop.  When real life happens, maybe high school, maybe college, maybe marriage they snap or are uprooted.  Let them blow a bit.  Let God speak to them.  Keep them secure, watch over them, but let them feel talk and work through solutions and situations.  Guide them without telling them.  Pray with them without preaching at them.  They will be trees of righteousness, strong and stable.  That is really what we want for each one.