The Pooh Tree

It isn't a long hike, but it's very popular. Beginning at the nature center, the trail winds through Peace Valley Park, marked with signs that say "Pooh Tree". There is no sign at the tree, because it is easy to recognize once you arrive. Its wide stance is its only support, because there is nothing in the middle. The opening in the trunk is large enough that our family of six is able to squeeze in, though usually one stays outside to take pictures. Though the inside has rotted away, many people find it to be a beautiful destination for a day hike with young children. Many trees have this defect - a hole rotted out somewhere. As unpleasant as that sounds, this defect is where many animals make their homes.

Sometimes it really surprises me to hear people talk about their flaws. A certain person comes to mind who looks flawless, confident, fit, and healthy, but I have heard her point out things she doesn't like about her appearance. No matter how perfect a person may look to the rest of the world, there is usually some area of self doubt and insecurity.

The famous poem begins with "How do I love thee, let me count the ways...", then proceeds to list all the beautiful reasons. We don't look for the flaws in the people we love, we admire the things we find attractive. While a young lady stands in front of her sweetheart, self conscious about the scar on her chin, her lover gazes at her beautiful eyes, feeling like the luckiest man in the world.

Sometimes we even find the "flaws" beautiful. They are what make us unique. Every day there is a long line of people waiting to see the Liberty Bell, yet I would venture to guess that more people come to see the crack in the side of the bell than to learn the historical significance of it.

Children often point out differences, not realizing that someone may feel insecure or embarrassed. A few days ago a young boy noticed something about me and asked about it. Wishing we could change the subject, I simply said it's been there my whole life. His next words were priceless. He said, "that's cool!"

I've read lots of romantic books and seen lots of romantic movies and the description of the love interest almost always includes some endearing feature that makes that person unique: a crooked smile, a goofy grin, unruly bangs that fall into her eyes...

A song I love has the line, "it's a shame that she don't see what I see..." It's easy to see past the flaws in the people we love, or to see those flaws as beautiful, but it is so hard to do the same for ourselves. At least, it is for me.