Lessons from Trees

There was an acorn planted in the fertile soil. It grew into a might oak tree and endured many decades.

There were times of perfect growing conditions with just the right balance of rain, sun & nutrients from the soil. Other times were filled with extreme winds and storms. There were seasons of drought. Insects and disease tried to stop its growth.

Birds and other animals made homes in its branches sometimes altering its appearance with holes or nests. Some branches fell or were cut from the tree through the course of time. What would have become of those branches had they remained? Would they have caused harm to the other branches or even killed the tree? Would they have grown into strong branches filled with foliage reaching toward the light like those remaining? Time has strengthened the tree causing its roots to grow deep into the earth. Storms have brought twisting and scars to the tree’s character making it all the more beautiful to behold. The trunk has grown into a massive steadfast anchor, solid and strong. Yet each branch ends with tiny stems of new growth holding the leaves which miraculously change sunlight into life giving nutrients. These tiny branches are fragile and tender and new and yet a part of the majestic, ancient tree. The twists and turns and forks in the branches make us wonder what trial or condition caused this branch to grow straight and another to bend and form a U shape in its path.Why did the branch split into different directions and grow toward the sky a little to the right & a little to the left? What happened when the tree was young and just a sapling to cause it to lean to the side and then redirect is course to have its truck directly above its roots?

Throughout the years this tree has produced millions of acorns each with the chance of growing into another mighty oak. How long will the tree continue to endure & serve its useful purpose? How many different purposes has it fulfilled over the decades? In the beginning perhaps is served as hope to a young child watching it grow.

Perhaps it provided home to countless animals over its lifetime. Shade and rest for weary passersby is most certainly on its list of purposes. Many have enjoyed the beauty of the tree while dressed in green for spring and summer, or hues of red, yellow, orange or brown in fall, or even its bare branches in the winter months.

Perhaps some branches were cut from the tree to provide a fire for warmth or food preparation.

Today as I absorb the character of the noble tree & its life, it provides inspiration for me to live my life according to God’s purposes.