Trees have stories.
All of them at one time were tiny, little saplings. When they become grown trees, animals climb them and sometimes boys and girls. They endure the sun, the seasons and more than a few storms through the years. They provide shade, lumber and some of them sweet maple syrup on buttered pancakes.
I’m thinking of a tree fort that I built when I was 10 years old. And the tire swing attached to a tree in our yard. More recently, I recall raking the leaves of sprawling oaks in Texas. And praying that newly planted trees at church take root and thrive.
The Bible talks about trees. Specifically, 3 trees. The tree in the Garden of Eden, whose fruit Adam and Eve ate as they committed the first sin (Genesis 3:3). The tree of the cross, on which Jesus was crucified (Galatians 3:13). The tree of eternal life in heaven’s paradise (Revelation 2:7).
These trees tell the story of your salvation. Sin. Forgiveness. Heaven.
There is another story about three trees that I find inspiring to my faith, and you may, too. I’ll share it with you in the “Further Meditation” section below. It tells the story of each tree, its hopes and dreams, and how the tree finds its way and its purpose from God.
You have a story. God is the author. And the chapter of your story you are currently living is not the final chapter. But God is writing. So let him write. Read his words. Trust that they are the best for you and follow them.
This spiritual wisdom is a “tree of life to those who take hold [of it]” (Proverbs 3:18).
PRAYER: God, thank you for writing my story, chapter by chapter, as I grow like a tree whose trunk has rings. As a tree endures the sun, the seasons, and more than a few storms, equip me to develop healthy roots, strong limbs and leaves that provide shade and shelter to others. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Watch this video of The Tale of Three Trees.