It was once said, “If you do not like where you are, move, you are not a tree.”

As human beings we have the ability to make changes; yet, we do not always realize that we possess this power. Or, we do realize it, and we do not embrace it.

I was sitting in mass a few Sundays ago. The priest gave a sermon on how sometimes we as human beings hesitate to make decisions because we are so afraid of the consequences of them. In the most difficult of conflicts we postpone actions to attempt to analyze, make pros and cons, etc.

However, although it is good to not be too hasty, taking too long to make a decision can become detrimental as well. The opportunity can pass, or we can push off our idea until the last moment, making a rash move. With the pressure of the impending idea on our minds, we can be harmed both spiritually and mentally. Yet, the only reason we do not decide is because, deep down, we fear change.

This struck me deeply as I have had to face some tough decisions throughout this year; however, I still was not totally convinced until the following day.

I was picking strawberries with my mom. In Pennsylvania, farmers plant rows and rows of strawberries. When the strawberries start to grow and ripen, they allow people to come and pick them. When the people are done picking them, they weigh the fruit, and then charge so many dollars per pound. It is more work than simply stopping at a grocery store; however, the taste is ten times that of the purchased ones. I did not really want to go picking with my mom; but, I could tell she longed for some quality time, so I sucked it up, put on my rain boots, and headed out. So what does this have to do with change?

The vines of the strawberry nurture the strawberry to full growth. It begins as a seed, and then gradually beings to grow with the help of the soil, the water, the sun, and the farmer. However, when the strawberry is at its ripest point, its sweetest moment, it must be picked off the vine. It is time to leave the vine to serve its purpose. On the contrary, if the strawberry remains on the vine and is not picked, it begins to rot. The vines are no longer helping, nor is the soil, the sun, or the water.

Human beings are like the strawberry. If we do not look to grow, if we do not look to explore other opportunities, environments, our talents, our personalities, and ideas, they will all rot. Our entire lives are based on moving to the next adventure. We prepare ourselves to do well in high school, so we can move on to college. We work hard in college so we can advance into the workforce.

Yet, if we fear graduation or any other change of work, we will not be able to use the preparation we have laid out for ourselves. Our hard work will rot within us as we fear the unknown, what is beyond our comfort zone, our vine.

Life is full of decisions and tough choices. But, if we have the courage to pursue the changes, we can be the sweet strawberries leaving the vine to serve an even greater purpose. We have the ability to move, and we are complete fools if we fail to take advantage of that.