i'm not ugly, just aesthetically challenged...

      last week i heard someone talking about something he observed while driving from somewhere to somewhere else. he said that first he saw this beautiful oak tree, standing tall and strong and proud, with a thick trunk and straight branches. it had obviously been very carefully manicured and well nurtured, and in the summer would provide some pretty amazing shade from the sun. but when it rained or when it became cold, the tree would be forgotten. then he said that as he drove a little farther down the road he saw an apple tree, heavy with fruit. it's branches were twisted and knotted and bent low to the ground, and the trunk looked like it might break under the strain. the tree wasn't able to put its energies into itself because it had been so focused on producing the fruit. ultimately, the tree wasn't very good looking, but what drew his eye were the beautiful red apples and the children reaching easily into its branches to eat from the fruit that could be preserved and enjoyed year-round.