My life this past week has been spent at home, sick. But it's been a great time of just slowing down and resting. I think I'm actually thanking God for allowing me to be ill!
I've spent every morning this week bundled up on my patio, enjoying the birds singing - and the fresh morning air. It's been really wonderful weather here in south Texas this week.
Which brings me to my post today. Studly - my dog, and trusty companion - and I - were enjoying another morning of cool air - when I noticed my crab apple tree.
My husband and I planted this tree three years ago. It was so spindly at times we didn't know if it was going to make it, so we staked it against one of those metal poles that farmers use to put up fencing.
As I looked at the tree this morning - it reminded me of my life as a Christian.
When I first planted that tree it was weak. It blew anyway the wind took it. It's root system didn't have hold of any foundation. The stalk was thin and it didn't have very many limbs, leaves or flowers during spring time. Then along came the stake to strengthen it - to hold it steady into the foundation it was given until it's root system started taking hold.
I thought about my life, my past - how weak I used to be - going anywhere the wind took me - with no thought of the consequences. Then Christ came alongside me - and held me steady. He held me in the foundation He laid down for me before the beginning of time. He shored me up in Himself and gave me strength.
The stake that has held my crab apple tree into the foundation - has helped it's roots take hold. The tree has produced a trunk three times the width of when it was first put in the ground. It is strong enough now to withhold the many branches that have grown upon it. In springtime - it has an abundance of flowers - and for the first time this year - it produced fruit! Those tiny little crab apples that will draw in the birds I love so dearly.
Once again, I akin the tree to my life. Over the years Jesus has rooted me in His Word that has steadied my life. I am rooted in His life and love which has given me the strength to bear the burden of life's many branches. The love that over flows from a life lived in Him has produced many flowers in my life as well as the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control.
I am so thankful that the stronger the winds of life become - there is the ever steady, non-changing peace and strength of Jesus Christ by my side.
Thank you Jesus - for Your crab apple tree and may I be ever reminded each time I look at it - as to who You are in my life!
1 comment:
Wonderful analogy Donna. Our common goal of growing closer to Our Father has brought us closer. For that I am thankful.
Post a Comment