The
Twisted Tree
By Brita Crouse
“And now, just as
you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let
your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your
faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with
thankfulness.”
Colossians
2:6-7 (NLT)
“Only
in the Midwest…,” my classmates and I complained as we stepped outside into the
unexpected April snow. It was a cold and dreary spring day and the current
weather was making us all irritable. As we walked between buildings to get to
class, I was suddenly stopped in my tracks by an enormous tree, standing
unassumingly in the middle of a courtyard. I made this walk every week and I
had never really noticed this tree before.
I
lost step with my friends as I paused to look at the dozens of gnarled,
twisting branches and the grooved, weathered bark. The tree didn’t have any
leaves yet, so there it stood, completely uncovered, vulnerable. It had a
strong, thick trunk, which must have kept it in place for many decades. Years
of sunshine, rain, and fresh air grew this tree from seed to its present state.
It was tall, towering over me at an intimidating height. Its unique beauty held
my attention and left me standing in awe.
That
tree is not unlike our relationship with Christ. I’m sure the tree analogy is
nothing new; I have heard it many times. But, after seeing this old, tough,
beautiful tree, the analogy was brought to life.
The
seed of faith was planted early for me, but it wasn’t without constant care and
support and admonishing that I was able to grow and flourish in my love for
God. As my roots grew “down into Him,” I was able to build my life on Him as
the foundation.
Life
is not without its storms though. Just as the tree showed signs of trial, I
have places in my own life where there are branches that are twisted, places
where the bark has been stripped away and weathered from the blowing wind and
pelting rain. Yet, there is beauty in this, as well.
If
we are deeply rooted in Christ, we can experience an overflow of thankfulness
because of our faith, despite any storm we may be experiencing. I know that is
easier said than done. Yet because of our faith, we can boldly face any of
life’s storms because all trees require water to grow and flourish!
GOING
DEEPER:
1. How is your
faith like a tree?
2. Are you or someone you know experiencing one
of life’s storms? Reflect on and discuss how this
storm
can make your faith more deeply rooted.
FURTHER
READING:
Brita is currently
working toward her Master’s in Counseling at the University of Minnesota-Twin
Cities. She has called Oakwood her home church for the past seventeen years.
