This seemed a great way to teach our students, in all grades, about the traits of character that lead to joy and the ones that lead to sorrow. Going beyond a mere definition of traits, the trees portray a right relationship to the traits, which gives insight into our own motivations and a deeper understanding of characters from history and literature. Trinity’s version of the trees are attached to this issue of the Tabula.
The inscription under the Tree of Joy, in Latin, states, “The tree of joy does not bear bitter fruit, but extending itself abundantly, it bears the knowledgeable to celestial things.” The root of this tree is Humility in Christ; only when we see who we are in light of Him do we realize our great need. From this understanding, we can depend on Him for the freedom to exhibit the major virtues of Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance, Justice, Hope, Faith and Charity. These virtues lead to our joy and His glory.
The Tree of Sorrow, on the other hand, is rooted in Pride against God. When we believe we are more important than Him, we are enslaved to the vices: Envy, Vain-Glory, Avarice, Anger, Gluttony, Lust and Sloth. The result of a life thus lived is sorrow, our own as well as God’s.
Many schools teach character traits; however, as we know, morality separated from God has no root, no reason, and no power. These ancient tools illustrate that putting ourselves first leads to sorrow, and ultimately to death. But, faith in our Lord leads us to His example of humility and His reward of life. The right relationship to our Lord, one of humility, is what leads to happiness and life.
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do His just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord. Zephaniah 2:3
Jennifer Cable, Elementary Principal