A Promise in the Trees
As I think about my own walk with Christ, I am amazed at the subtle thread of trees woven into my personal faith story. I remember stretching out under a big tree at my grandma’s house and talking to God as a little girl. I remember swinging alone on a tree swing as a teenager and wishing Jesus would just show up to give me a push and offer some advice to the dilemma churning in my soul. I remember rocking my first baby in the wee hours of the morning and begging the Lord to use my son to grow fruit on our family tree. But my favorite memory of a tree moment took place two years ago as I walked along the lake trail near our home.
I stopped walking and stared at the unusual sight. Though I’d walked that trail dozens of times, I’d never once noticed the heart-shaped leaves. (And though I’ve walked that trail countless times since, I’ve never seen that cluster of leaves again). It was as if, in response to my prayer, God whispered, “YES! I hear your prayer. That’s My heart’s desire, too.”
Not surprisingly, I’ve repeated that prayer for every one of my five children over the course of time. So now and then when my eldest son shines with a Christ confidence that rises up from somewhere deep within his self-conscious tween soul, I smile. I picture a tall tree with a leaf-shaped heart dangling from its lanky limbs. Then I gently thank the Lord for his unmerited faithfulness to our family tree.
Today’s Treasure: I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. –John 15:5
