Revelations About LIFE from Chopping Wood

Xuefeng

While chopping wood, I observed a phenomenon: some logs can be split in half with just one strike of the axe, provided there is enough strength and force. However, other logs, like those that are 60 centimeters long with a diameter of 20 to 30 centimeters, are much more resistant. No matter how much strength and force you use, a single strike won't split them. Even after many attempts, they remain intact. To split these special logs, you have to insert an axe into a small crack, then hammer the back of the axe with a mallet. As the crack widens, you insert another axe into the expanding gap and hammer again. This process must be repeated dozens of times before the log can be split in two.

Now, let's compare the split surfaces of regular logs and these special logs. Regular logs split cleanly, leaving a flat cross-section, whereas the special logs have a twisted, spiral cross-section.

Why does this happen? Although I haven't conducted any field studies or research, I speculate that these special logs experienced some form of twisting pressure during their growth. To survive, they grew in a spiral shape instead of straight up. Over time, the grain of these trees became curved rather than straight.

Straight-growing trees have straight grain, while irregularly growing trees have twisted grain.

Wood with straight grain is easy to split, while wood with twisted grain is difficult to split.

Grain reflects the nature of the tree: some trees have a straight nature, while others have a twisted nature. Trees with straight grain make good material for furniture and construction; they are also easy to chop for firewood. Trees with twisted grain are less suitable for furniture and construction, difficult to work with, and challenging to split for firewood.

This gives us an insight: if a living thing, during its growth and development, does not endure much hardship or prolonged suppression in its environment, it is likely to mature easily, and its character tends to be pure, beautiful, and gentle. On the other hand, if a living thing goes through more suffering, trials, and hardships during its growth, its nature will become twisted. Such individuals may not easily mature, but their character will certainly be very resilient and strong.

A further insight is that if a person is gentle and easily gets along with others, it often means they grew up in a harmonious family environment, with parents who rarely quarreled or fought and seldom used threats or violence. They were likely praised more than criticized in school and encountered few obstacles in their workplace. Conversely, if someone grows up in a discordant family, with parents who often belittled each other, faced frequent criticism and discouragement from teachers at school, and experienced oppression at work, their character is likely to become twisted. Such people develop a tenacious spirit that external forces find difficult to break, and they are often resistant to others' advice and persuasion.

Another insight from this revelation is that when we encounter people with strong, resilient characters who are difficult to persuade, we should try to be understanding and forgiving, offering sympathy and compassion. These individuals have already endured considerable hardship and suffering. However, remember that their character is already set, so it's best not to argue with them. Any dispute will not only be unproductive but could also strain the relationship, which benefits no one.

Things with unique characteristics are special materials, and special materials are needed in unique situations; thus, they have their unique value and purpose. The same is true for people. Unique individuals have their unique value and purpose. Therefore, whether they are normal or not, they are all creations of nature and treasures in the embrace of Greatest Creator.

September 3, 2024