The first time I was on the farm I found a papaya tree that was particularly
striking. Not every seedling makes it to become a big beautiful tree. Many do
not germinate, others die before they grow up. Some do not survive to be
transplanted. This papaya tree had a different problem. The wind that blows
constantly over the farm blew the tree over and it was about to fall. To prevent
this from happening, it was propped up with two sticks that had been dry for
some time. The papaya tree continued to grow straight up, even though it now
has a distinct bend, because of this. The tree was helped but something
happened to the sticks. They started to sprout because they were stuck into
the soil and watered. Now there is a papaya tree in the farm which not only has
a clear bend, but also two "helpers" which have also sprouted.
Sometimes, when you help others, it is the same. It is usually the case that you
get nothing when you do something for someone. Sometimes you don't even get a thank you or recognition. Still, it's worth it. The sticks didn't sprout right away. It took a few days for sure. So it can be that you help yourself by doing something good for others. You don't always look after yourself, but you still help yourself.
“A compassionate man does himself good; but a ruthless one cuts his own flesh
"Proverbs 11:17
