There’s a saying that “The two best days to plant a tree are ‘Twenty years ago’ and ‘today’” – meaning, sure, you wish it had happened way back then … but if it didn’t, don’t wait any longer, do it now. Love that, but there’s another tree story that I think we can learn from.
To learn more about the facts and the fiction of the story:
Transcript
There’s a saying that “The two best days to plant a tree are ‘Twenty years ago’ and ‘today’” – meaning, sure, you wish it had happened way back then … but if it didn’t, don’t wait any longer, do it now.
Love that, but here is my favorite tree story – maybe you’ve heard versions of it:
- A college in Oxford was founded in the 14th century.
- One of the buildings had massive oak beams across the ceiling – two feet wide and 45 feet long.
- 500 years later, the beams had become infested with beetles and would need to be replaced.
- The town leadership met but couldn’t imagine where they could find lumber like that – and in a manner they could afford.
- So, they called in a local expert to start searching for oak that could be used.
- The forester laughed and said, “We wondered when you would call us.”
It turns out that in a remote part of the college grounds were oak trees … planted in the late 14th century at the same time that the buildings were first being constructed. The founders knew that at some point, those beams would have to be replaced … so they planted the trees and ensured the foresters knew to care for them, because they knew that they would be needed in the distant future.
It’s a great story based on facts, but a little myth added – so I’ve included links to the original story in my blog. Either way, there are some wonderful lessons.
For me, the most powerful takeaway is to plan beyond your future. Those saplings wouldn’t even be useful for shade within the lifetimes of those that planted them. Whether we are talking about Scouting … or church … or family … or the workplace … ask yourself ‘Are you planting for beyond your own horizon?’
- In Scouting, that could be five years out.
- In family, its two generations.
- For church, its eternity.
- For work, maybe its just three years from now, when you’re no longer in your current role.
Whatever your horizon is – are you planning beyond that? What are you planting now that might benefit those later (like oak trees) or hinder them (like weeds or weak soil). And if you can’t think of anything that you’re doing that will have that extended impact, then remember: the two best times to plant a tree are X years ago – and today. Go start now.
See you next Monday
Jason Buffington .com 
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