While hiking in the mountains above 10,000 feet, you begin to see less vegetation because of less water and colder temperatures.  One tree that I observed was standing by itself but it was bent over, deformed by the constant wind that blows.  I felt a calling to this tree – alive  . . . not giving up . . . digging down to get water and holding on . . . I was encouraged . . . it was as if this tree was saying “don’t give up, life may be brutally hard, it may disfigure you . . . but never give up – stand up to the wind and the forces that would want to rip you up!”  Though the tree was standing by itself it was not alone – small craggy bushes, smooth rocks and tuffs of grass were gathered around like a circle of friends – cheering.  Take heart friends be strong and courageous and cheer for each other.   Live generously.