It was the first summer we had bought our house – 31 years ago now. Our yard seemed huge to this Bronx girl who had been raised with cement underneath her feet.
Our neighbor handed our kids, what seemed like a twig with a few leaves and even less roots, and informed me it was a maple sapling. It had sprung up in between his bushes. The kids were excited at the idea of planting it.
We picked the farthest corner in our yard and dug a hole, loosened the soil, and planted it. Our first time planting a tree together.
We never could have known then how it would have grown. It is now a beautiful tree – standing tall and stately, having filled out nicely. It has since claimed the entire corner as its home. Its shape is perfect. In the summer, its leaves are green and glossy, and reflect the sun. In the fall, those same leaves are glorious in color, boasting of the wonders of God.
“He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed,
which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds,
but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree,
so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”
(Matthew 13:31-32, NASB)
“Seemingly small and insignificant beginnings can end with glorious consummation.”
(NLT Study Bible)
The little sapling found its home, its forever home, the day we planted it. The tree draws my attention every morning, in every season, as it reminds me to be faithful. To grow where I am planted. Not to despise small beginnings. To be faithful in all things whether they be large or small, seemingly important or mundane.
“Then Christ will
make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.
Your roots will grow
down into God’s love and keep you strong.”
(Ephesians 3:17, NLT)
May our lives be like a mustard seed, or the little sapling,
staying rooted, growing steadily,
and remaining faithful.
Have you thought about where God may be calling you to be faithful? What will it take for you to stay rooted where He has planted you?
Image by Nico Wall from Pixabay
Such refreshing, uplifting Monday Morning Encouragement! He has encouragement me to spill praise over the challenging places, my friend! That is what I am doing today! Thank you for being such an encourager!
ReplyDeleteAnd you, my friend, have encouraged me in ways you know not! Thank you for stopping here today!
DeleteReply
And you, my friend, have encouraged me in ways you know not! Thank you for stopping here today!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story and timely reminder. No matter how small and weak we start out, when we're rooted and grounded in Him, we'll grow as He wants us to.
ReplyDelete