Once upon a time there was a leafy tree in a field. Leaves grew
densely on the tall branches. The roots were deeply into the ground. The
tree was the most remarkable among the rest.
The tree then became the home for some birds. They built their nests
and they lived on his branches. The birds made holes on him, and they
hatched their eggs within the greatness of the tree. The tree felt so
delighted because he was accompanied as he walked through his long
lasting days.
People were grateful for the presence of the tree. They often came
over and sheltered under him. Under his branches, they sat down and
opened their picnic baskets. “This tree is very useful,” that’s what the
people said every time they went home from shelter. The tree was very
proud hearing those compliments.
However, time went on. The tree was beginning to be sick. His leaves
and twigs were falling, then his body became thin and pale. The
greatness he used to have was fading away. Birds felt reluctant to build
their nests there. No one would come to sit under the tree to shelter
anymore.
The tree wept, “Oh God, why is it so hard for me? I need friends. Now
no one would come close to me. Why do you take all the glory I used to
have?” The tree cried loudly, so it echoed throughout the forest. “Why
wouldn’t you cut me down, so I don’t have to bear this suffering?” The
tree kept on crying, and his tears were running down his dry body.
Seasons came and went, but his condition had not changed. The tree
was still feeling lonely. His branches became drier and drier. Every
night the tree wept and cried, until the morning broke.
“Cheep…chirp…cheep” Ah, what was that noise? Oh, it’s a little baby
bird who has just pipped from the egg. The old tree woke up from his
daydream.
“Cheep…chirp…cheep”, the noise became louder and louder. There was
another baby bird. Not long after that, the tree became noisy because of
the birth of new baby birds. One…two…three…and four baby birds have
been born to this world. “Ah, He has answered my prayers,” exclaimed the
old tree.
The day after, there were many birds flying to the old tree. They
were going to build new nests. The dry branches have turned out to
attract their attention to nest there. The birds felt warmer to stay
inside the dry branches instead of their place before. The number of
birds was increasing and there were more kinds of them. “Wow, now my
days are brighter with their presence here”, murmured the old tree
gladly.
The old tree was back to cheer again. And when he looked down, his
heart was flowing with joy. There was a new little tree growing near his
roots. The new tree seemed to smile at him. The tears of the old tree
has grown a little tree who would continue his devotion to nature.
Dear friends, that’s the way it is. Is there any lesson that we could
take from the story? God always has secret plans for us. The Almighty
God will always gives answers to our questions. Even though it is not
always easy to guess what the resolution is, be certain that the
Omniscient God knows what’s best for us.
When there are times He sends temptation for us, in other times He
gives us His overflowing blessings. The test He gives us isn’t something
that can’t be overcome. When God gave the temptation to the old tree,
actually He DELAYED in giving His glory. God didn’t choose to cut the
old tree down since He kept some secrets. God was testing his patience.
So, dear friends, be sure, whatever temptation we are facing is a
part of the chain of glory He is preparing for us. Don’t give up, and
don’t be discouraged. God is always there beside patient people.
No comments:
Post a Comment