In regards to the metaphor, life is seasonal. When we pour into other people, very often we expend ourselves, our leaves fall off. But what happens when leaves fall from a tree? The nitrogen from the leaves falls into the soil, decomposes, and allows for nutrient regeneration in the soil, or in other words, benefits the soil. Yes, the tree loses its leaves, but the soil benefits, going back to the analogy, the people around us our benefitted.

Now if we as trees, try to help more people, when we have no leaves left, we'll become frustrated, and even more worn out. What we need is rest, and after the season of rest, comes spring, comes the budding of the leaves. To rest is just as important as the giving.

Great post. I love analogies.