A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit in. (Greek proverb)

Gardeners and farmers like to see their plants grow and produce in a single season. Landscape architects probably have a more distant horizon in their plans. They think long-term, envisioning a full-grown scene with both perennials and annuals. Likewise, wise people think and plan beyond the immediate future. They hope to make a lasting difference.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).