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 a licensed K-12 School Counselor and works as the
Non-Public Counselor in Roseville, Minnesota. For the past eighteen years, she
has called Oakwood her home church.
