Have you ever bitten into a perfectly ripe, juicy piece of fruit and thought, “I wish fruit tasted this good all the time”? It’s a moment of pure delight.

Naturally, you might think, “If I plant the seed from this fruit, I’ll get more just like it.”

But nature doesn’t work that way.

Even if you plant the seed in the same soil, water it from the same source, and expose it to the same sunlight and weather, you’re not guaranteed the same result. The tree that grows might never bear fruit. And even if it does, there’s no certainty the fruit will taste the same.

This is a powerful metaphor for our lives.

Each of us is a seed with the potential to grow into something much bigger—something that can nourish others. But that growth isn’t automatic, and neither is the fruit. We can choose to develop into trees that bear abundant, sweet fruit—offering encouragement, kindness, wisdom, and support to others. Or, we can choose to hoard our potential, soaking up the nutrients of life without ever offering anything back.

Every day, we’re faced with decisions—over 33,000 of them, according to some estimates. And within those decisions lies a simple but profound question: Are we living only for ourselves, or are we making choices that impact others for the better?

It’s often said that it’s better to give than to receive, and not just because it sounds noble. There’s real joy in giving. You can accumulate everything in the world and still feel empty. But one moment of selfless giving—a kind word, a helping hand, a generous act—can fill you with a deep, lasting satisfaction.

So the choice is ours. We can be trees that produce nothing, taking from the earth and offering nothing in return. Or we can grow strong and fruitful, sharing abundance with those around us.

Choose to be the tree that bears delicious fruit in abundance—for others to enjoy, and for joy to grow.