February 20, 2019
When my husband was a boy, he wanted to plant a tree in his yard. He trekked through his several acre yard, across the country road, and into the woods to find the perfect tree to transplant.
He was delighted to find a beautiful specimen with perfectly spaced limbs. Back home he trudged, carrying his precious cargo with him.
He spent quite a while digging the perfect hole, and planting the little tree. When he was finished, he stood back and imagined a beautiful full-grown tree that would cast a pleasant shade over that area of the yard, and a home for countless birds.
After his lengthy project was completed, he proudly showed his little tree to his mom. Her heart sank as she saw what he had planted. A Sweetgum Tree -the nuisance of any yard.
I can imagine the wrestling in her mother’s heart. Should she tell him right away, and send him to get a different kind of tree? But she saw the swell of her sweet boy’s chest, and the proud look of accomplishment on his face…Surely it wouldn’t live long…and then she would comfort him, and help him choose a more appropriate tree baby.
That tree was a fighter from the start. It thrived through hot summers, frigid winters, ice storms, hail and high water. Yes, that little tree was destined for big things.
Today that little tree has become a little boy’s dream. It stands 30 feet tall, casts a fabulous cooling shade, and is a safe haven for countless country critters.
Don’t you dare try to walk barefoot in that area of the yard, though. And Heaven help you if you’re not wearing protective gear while the lawn mower is running. And by all means, wear sturdy shoes that keep your ankles from turning easily on uneven surfaces.
Many of us are reaping the effects of things we planted in our youth. Even if we have come to the Lord, others must still deal with our past choices.
It’s a new day. A disciplined day. Let’s be aware and take responsibility for what we plant. A little tree can grow up to be a big nuisance…or worse.
“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” (1 Corinthians 3:8)
