Lessons from My Maple Tree

Lesson #1 -We had a large maple tree removed from our back yard today.  It was young, strong and promising of many years of summer shade.  That was the problem.  When in full leaf it turned our back yard into a green cavern where grass would not grow from lack of sunlight.  I have seen that tree survive strong summer and winter storms.  It bent in the wind and let the blasts of air move on by.   I have seen other trees that refused to bend, snap and topple to the earth.  We could learn much from trees.  Some of us pridefully take a stand on some particular issue only to be taken down not to serve another day.  While others have the ability to discern principles from pride, while they would stand firmly to maintain a principle they will bend when they realize the issue is merely a matter of taste or preference. These are the survivors who stay around to pass on their wisdom.

Lesson #2 – The tree men did not cut down the tree with one cut from their chain saw.  They climbed to the top and took it down branch by branch finally leaving only the trunk to fell.   How like our characters.  There are times we compromise our principles – not big – small compromises.  It is easier the next time and then the next.  Branch by branch we lose the majesty of being God’s children.  We forget and eventually have little left.  How much better it is to stand for principles and “be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.”  Isaiah 61:3

Written by Roger Bothwell on April 30, 2014

Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574

Rogerbothwell.org