the tree

Consider the tree.  This silent soldier grows all around us in great numbers and in great variety and with many functions.  Its wood provides the construction materials that are the backbone of most of our homes.  All of our paper for writing, copying, news, books, (even tax returns!) starts in a tree.  Wood is what warms many of us in our wood stoves and fireplaces this time of year.  Trees provide fruit and nuts to nourish us and feed countless creatures, and provides homes for birds, squirrels and countless insects.  Trees take in carbon dioxide and manufacture much of the oxygen we need to breathe through photosynthesis.  The root systems of trees hold the ground in place to prevent erosion.  Even the shade of a leafy tree is welcome in the midst of summer.  Though often great in height they are very flexible and can weather most storms and winds without breaking.  I don't think most people would consider the life of a tree to be exciting, heroic or historic.  Yet without the tree our lives would carry a great deal more hardship.  Similarly, many of our lives may not seem to be exciting, heroic or historic as we may seem to live in a forest of people.  Yet you were planted here to uniquely offer many parallel benefits: shelter and support, all manner of fruits for ministry and care, a place for others to find rest, part of God's root structure to hold the culture from erosion and sources of God's fresh air to be distributed via His Spirit.  His indwelling presence gives flexibility and strength to weather life's storms without snapping.   The life of a person, like the life of a tree, may not be marked by drama and may not draw attention to itself...but can nonetheless be amazingly useful and productive on behalf of the One who gives life to both.

 

Revelation 22: ² In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. ³ And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.

 

blessings (from my branch to yours),

Rob Smith