subject: Christian Illustration : The Old Tree [print this page] Once upon a time there was a beautiful tree in a field. Leaves grew densely on the tall branches. Its roots sank deep. The tree was the most remarkable among the rest.
The tree became the home for birds. They built their nests and they lived on his branches. The birds made holes as nests, and they hatched their eggs within the greatness of the tree. The tree felt delighted because he was accompanied as he experienced the seasons of life through long lasting days.
People were grateful for the presence of the tree. They often came over and rested in the shelter of the great tree. 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 resting beneath his shelter. And the tree felt great knowing that his life had purpose and meaning.
However, as time went on, the tree began to become sickly. His leaves and twigs were falling, and his body became thin and pale. His greatness was fading away. Birds were reluctant to build their nests. People no longer sheltered themselves beneath his branches.
The tree wept, "Oh God, why is it so hard for me? I have no friends. No one comes close to me. Why do you take all the glory I used to have?" The tree cried loudly, and is sobs echoed throughout the forest. "Why don't you simply cut me down, so I don't have to bear this suffering?" He continued to weep and his tears flowed down his dry and ailing body.
Seasons came and went, but his condition did not change.
"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 resting on the branches of the old tree. They were building new nests. The birds felt warmer within the dry branches. The number of birds increased in number and type. "My days are brighter with their presence here", murmured the old tree gladly.
The old tree was cheerful again. And when he looked down, his heart was overjoyed. There was a new little tree growing near his roots. The new tree seemed to smile at him. The tears of the old tree had grown a little tree who would continue his legacy.
God always has plans for us, but they are often unseen until the proper time.
Whatever we are facing is a part of the chain of glory God is preparing for us. Don't give up, and don't be discouraged. God is always there and his plans never fail!
