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 everytime 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. Eventhough 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.
