The Crooked Tree
This summer at one of our favourite family places - while
hiking I saw this tree. I loved the way
it cuuurrrrvvved around then continued on its growth path - growing straight up
like the other trees.
This tree spoke volumes to me. Some of us start out this way
in our Christian walk, going the wrong way until we “see the light” and grow
towards it. It is only in growing toward
the light that we have life. Some
Christians don’t have those early on struggles; they’ve just been planted and
grow like the other trees around this one. But the testimony of this tree
that struggled to get its start shows the reality most of us face. Trials we need to overcome before we can stay
on the straight and narrow. Ironically beside it is a stump of a not so lucky tree. Ah, Jesus parable of the good seed all over this hike!
This tree also made me think of my children. I’m a Mom – so naturally I’d think of them,
right? Each of my adopted children had
struggles right from their beginnings.
Saved through foster care, I think OK – like this tree you had that
rough beginning, but now you should be able to grow, grow, grow – straight in
the light and love of your family and God’s saving grace for a greater purpose
in your life!
What this tree doesn’t
show that we can only predict, is that it might not live as long as the other
trees, it might be more prone to insects or disease or notwithstanding the
elements of life that will come it’s way and challenge it’s being. What this makes me realize with my
children, is that no matter the light and water we give them, they still have
factors that may change their direction.
Some more than others find it harder to go toward the light….the
darkness is so tempting and pulls at them constantly. I want to be the safe forest to harbor them in safety, but elements still remain in the world I can not protect them from.
This summer presented me challenges and parenting moments
that continue to astound me (and my gentle husband!). I can’t even write them here – for the sake
of the ones struggling, I won’t write those journeys here….despite my friends
telling me “write that down!” Maybe in
years to come….but not now. Some are too painful, some while funny, just
need to wait.
Back to the tree…..I wish and pray for all out there, that
God’s calling is greater than Satan’s and that my children (and myself) have the
strength to continue to want the light….continue to grow in faith and
forgiveness.
Be the tall tree.
Be the good tree.
Genesis 2:9 reads: The LORD God made all kinds of
trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the
middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of
good and evil.