When I was growing up, I had an old neighbor named Dr. Gibbs. He didn’t look like any doctor I’d 36 known. When Dr. Gibbs wasn’t 37 lives, he was planting trees.
The good doctor had some 38 theories on planting trees. He believed in “No pains, no gains”. He never 39 his new trees, which was 40 many people. Once I asked why. He 41 that watering plants spoiled them, and that if you water them, each following tree generation will 42 weaker and weaker. So you have to make things 43 for them. He talked about how watering trees 44 shallow roots, and how trees that weren’t watered had to grow deep roots in 45 of water. I came to understand that he meant deep roots were to be 46 . I planted a couple of trees a few years back and I took good care of them. Two years of 47 has resulted in trees that expect to be waited on hand and foot. Whenever a cold wind blows, they 48 and tremble their branches. Funny things about those trees of Dr. Gibbs’. The lack of water seemed to 49 them in ways comfort and ease never could.
I used to 50 for my sons that their lives will be easy. But 51 I’ve been thinking that it’s time to 52 my prayer. I know my children are going to meet 53 , and I’m praying they will be strong. The prayer for comfort is seldom met. What we need to do is to pray for deep roots, 54 when the winds blow, we won’t be 55 away.
A.even B.ever C.never D.hardly
A.valuing B.making C.enjoying D.saving
A.exciting B.dull C.interesting D.terrible
A.watered B.raised C.loved D.sheltered
A.against B.beyond C.within D.from
A.wondered B.answered C.doubted D.guessed
A.grow B.change C.appear D.show
A.harmful B.favorable C.tough D.wonderful
A.made for B.headed for C.allowed for D.cared for
A.charge B.favor C.honor D.search
A.treasured B.challenged C.respected D.liked
A.education B.information C.preparation D.devotion
A.dance B.shake C.spread D.lift
A.harm B.raise C.benefit D.hurt
A.pray B.apply C.stand D.call
A.perfectly B.formally C.obviously D.lately
A.attend B.say C.change D.keep
A.hardships B.worries C.bosses D.jobs
A.or B.so C.and D.but
A.given B.sent C.broken D.swept