The Tree
Have you ever really taken the time to stop and gaze at a tree? To see the curve of it's spine, the withered knots throughout the limbs, or the deep crevices of mystery held within?
Most of us merely pass by a tree without further glance. Sure, we enjoy the shade it provides, or the fruit it may supply, but do we ever think further upon it's splendor? Trees are truly magnificent creatures that can live years beyond any one of us. They have seen the past and will likely see the future without ever needing to take a step. For they are often rooted much deeper than you or I.
Sometimes, I catch myself staring at trees. I look at each one individually, at their many nuances and characteristics. I can almost see a soul within a tree. The soul of a man, standing tall, trying to maintain his ground in this ever changing world. In the Spring of life he appears quite tall and puffed up. His trees blow beautifully in the breeze and his many flaws are darkly hidden away underneath all his splendor. However, as time goes by (as it inevitably does) the tree begins to change. His leaves mature, their shades reflecting back the vast dimensions of his personality; perhaps his very soul. These leaves are not as dense as they once were. The weathering of life has ripped away his very public display of perfection. One can not keep such grandiose appearances through the storms of life. And as winter rolls around, the last of the leaves fall to the ground. The tree is naked; to it's core; its soul laid bare for all to see. As the cars pass by, no even gives a nod or takes notice. For who took the time to really see the tree in the first place? It was merely the leaves that the tree provided that caused even a second glance. Without the great stature, the tree is no unworthy of attention, there's nothing to look at anymore. It is within this deep cold that the tree realizes how futile it was to bask in the glory of his clothing. For what does outward beauty bring, if you are not rooted in something far deeper?
The tree contemplates the seasons past and realizes just how foolish he had been. He knew that in order to survive the darkness of winter he would need to dig deep. To stretch himself as far as his roots and limbs could go in order to survive this season of life as well. Storms continue to rage and the tree is pushed from every angle, bending here and there, limbs withered and knotted from the shear force. His perfect spine is now curved in many places making his form something quite different than what it used to be. He is stronger. For it is through the storms that he has gained greater strength and the changes in his appearance are nothing more than memories mark. As the tree finally see's his true worth a miracle happens. A dusting appears in the sky and falls like a sprinkling of powdered sugar. God brings the snow, and it covers his naked branches & fills him with a radiance he has never known. God's blanket has wrapped loving arms around the humble tree protecting him from the harsh weather and providing a new look. And as winter fades and spring begins the tree will once again acquire his foliage, but this year will be different. For he is not the tree of last spring, but a new creation deeply rooted in ground Christ has provided him.
Most of us merely pass by a tree without further glance. Sure, we enjoy the shade it provides, or the fruit it may supply, but do we ever think further upon it's splendor? Trees are truly magnificent creatures that can live years beyond any one of us. They have seen the past and will likely see the future without ever needing to take a step. For they are often rooted much deeper than you or I.
Sometimes, I catch myself staring at trees. I look at each one individually, at their many nuances and characteristics. I can almost see a soul within a tree. The soul of a man, standing tall, trying to maintain his ground in this ever changing world. In the Spring of life he appears quite tall and puffed up. His trees blow beautifully in the breeze and his many flaws are darkly hidden away underneath all his splendor. However, as time goes by (as it inevitably does) the tree begins to change. His leaves mature, their shades reflecting back the vast dimensions of his personality; perhaps his very soul. These leaves are not as dense as they once were. The weathering of life has ripped away his very public display of perfection. One can not keep such grandiose appearances through the storms of life. And as winter rolls around, the last of the leaves fall to the ground. The tree is naked; to it's core; its soul laid bare for all to see. As the cars pass by, no even gives a nod or takes notice. For who took the time to really see the tree in the first place? It was merely the leaves that the tree provided that caused even a second glance. Without the great stature, the tree is no unworthy of attention, there's nothing to look at anymore. It is within this deep cold that the tree realizes how futile it was to bask in the glory of his clothing. For what does outward beauty bring, if you are not rooted in something far deeper?
The tree contemplates the seasons past and realizes just how foolish he had been. He knew that in order to survive the darkness of winter he would need to dig deep. To stretch himself as far as his roots and limbs could go in order to survive this season of life as well. Storms continue to rage and the tree is pushed from every angle, bending here and there, limbs withered and knotted from the shear force. His perfect spine is now curved in many places making his form something quite different than what it used to be. He is stronger. For it is through the storms that he has gained greater strength and the changes in his appearance are nothing more than memories mark. As the tree finally see's his true worth a miracle happens. A dusting appears in the sky and falls like a sprinkling of powdered sugar. God brings the snow, and it covers his naked branches & fills him with a radiance he has never known. God's blanket has wrapped loving arms around the humble tree protecting him from the harsh weather and providing a new look. And as winter fades and spring begins the tree will once again acquire his foliage, but this year will be different. For he is not the tree of last spring, but a new creation deeply rooted in ground Christ has provided him.
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