People are like Trees

People are like trees because they don't grow up to be strong and beautiful overnight-- they take a long time to be shaped into the magnificence that God is making them to be. Each branch formed during the spring season then weathers many hot summers, cold winters, diseases, winds and rains before becoming a sturdy limb which faithfully bears the weight of many budding branches. Such marvelous complexity matures over many years. So it is with people. We often shoot up quickly not realizing the weathering that our Lord would have us endure in order to become the people He is making us to be. But when the rosy idealism of life wears off, many of us are left disillusioned as to what is reality. Do you find yourself weary and stuck in life's waiting room? Consider the lesson of the tree.

We can only persevere the storms of life if we are planted near streams of water. A tree can only grow: a) as high as its root system is deep; b) as healthy as its soil is rich with nourishment; c) as long as its water source is constant. What kind of a root system are you growing during this season of your life? Into what kind of soil are you trying to grow it? Will you weather the storms of life? You will only endure if you remain planted near the water of life in God's Word. The waiting and dry seasons only make sense in the bigger story of what the tree is becoming. Each ring around the tree stands for another year and another season endured-- another beauty mark that was added to the vivid display of God's glory that He is making you. Consider the tree and remember that your present difficulties will only make sense from God the gardener's perspective. Live for Him today and know that He's finishing what He's started in you: someday you'll become a beautiful tree if you stay near the water today.