It is like that with us in our lives. After we are born, everything is new, our minds and bodies unspoiled. Then as the years go by, things happen, some not so good, others very good. While everything that happens to us is not the result of God's Will, as His Will and desire is always the best for us, it is by this toughening that we continue to grow, because if our foundation is weak and we haven't learned through our experiences we cannot grow. I have made so many mistakes in my life and I am sure many more to come, but I hope and pray that through them all I will learn and continue to grow, supporting much new and beautiful green bark. Producing many new leaves and flowers. There is so much opportunity out there, we just have to seize it!