I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki. Yesterday, while shopping for my ginger and honey tea, I noticed something interesting. It was January 3rd, and many Christmas trees were already withering. Their lights were off, and soon, they’d be discarded. Meanwhile, the palm tree remains steadfast, flourishing from season to season. This contrast reminded me of a powerful lesson: The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree (Psalm 92:12).
The Fragility of Glamour
Human life often mirrors the transient nature of the Christmas tree. Many people I’ve known—once wealthy, glamorous, and surrounded by friends—have faded into obscurity. Some were children of the rich; others were high-ranking professionals or politicians. Yet, today, they’ve withered. Their flashy lifestyles were unsustainable, much like the fleeting decorations of a Christmas tree.
In contrast, the palm tree represents resilience and sustainability. Its roots run deep, anchoring it firmly. Even in storms, it bends but doesn’t break. It thrives in diverse conditions, offering multiple benefits—from palm wine to shelter—without losing its essence. Can the same be said of your life? Are you building on a foundation that will endure, or are you merely flashing like a Christmas tree?
Sustainability: A Personal Reflection
In 1987, the Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. This principle applies not only to the environment but also to our personal lives.
I’ve observed people who lived extravagantly—big cars, lavish parties, and constant indulgence. Yet, many of them are now struggling. One friend, once a high-earning oil company worker, retired into poverty. While he flaunted wealth, I lived modestly, investing in multiple streams of income. Today, I can sustain my family comfortably, while he cannot even provide for his basic needs.
Ask yourself: Is your current lifestyle sustainable? The cars, the clothes, the luxury—can you maintain them if your income stops tomorrow? More importantly, are you building a legacy for your children and grandchildren?
The Palm Tree’s Lessons
Gradual Growth: The palm tree grows slowly but steadily. It doesn’t seek instant glory like maize or okra, which flourish quickly and fade just as fast.
Resilience: Hurricanes may bend the palm, but it stands tall once the storm passes. Build your life with resilience—diversify your income and develop skills that make you indispensable.
Productivity: Every part of the palm tree is useful. Similarly, ensure that your ventures are multifaceted. For example, in our school, we run a printing press, a transport unit, a bookshop, and more—all within one establishment.
Deep Roots: Unlike the Christmas tree, which relies on external support and decorations, the palm tree’s strength comes from within. Build your life on strong values, skills, and networks, not on external validation or fleeting connections.
A Call to Action
This year, decide: Will you live like a Christmas tree or a palm tree? Christmas trees are flashy but temporary. Palm trees endure, providing lasting value. Start preparing for sustainable growth—invest in long-term ventures, live modestly, and think of future generations.
As you make choices, remember the words of Ecclesiastes: Who can say, “This world is mine”? Wealth has existed long before us and will remain long after. What matters is not how much you acquire but how well you sustain and multiply it.
Final Thoughts
Reflect on your lifestyle: Are you living for short-term pleasure or long-term impact? The way you consume, spend, and invest today will determine your future and the legacy you leave behind. Let’s flourish like the palm tree, rooted in resilience, productivity, and sustainability.
I remain Dr. Charles Apoki.
