Thoughts Along the Way©
He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8
While on Home Assignments, we do a lot of driving – sometimes short distances and sometimes from Chicago to Colorado or Chicago to Ohio. During these drives, I have noticed lone trees standing in the middle of pastures or fields, on top of hills, or even in city parks. Because they are not surrounded by other trees, their natural shape is easily seen and enjoyed. They become more than just a tree but an object of God’s art. On rare occasions I have seen these lone trees with the sun setting behind them. The reds and oranges and pinks set off the beauty even more. But they also set off the aloneness of the tree. In these moments of awe inspiring beauty are also moments of intense aloneness.
As a missionary, a Christian, a woman, a person, I sometimes feel like a lone tree standing in the middle of a field perhaps with the sun setting behind it and the wind blowing through it. I feel like I am alone in a foreign land. For me this is especially true when I am in the crowds of Tokyo. I so often mistakenly think that loneliness is associated with being alone but I find that I often feel more alone when surrounded by people that I don’t know.
I am slowly beginning to realize that I am not that lone tree with the wind blowing its branches. Jesus is the tree – He is the tree of life standing in a fallen world. I am but a leaf on that tree. My source of life and energy comes from the tree to which I am attached. He gives me friendship when I feel alone. He gives me the energy to reach out and make friends in new places. He gives me my reason for life and joy. Without Him, I am but a dry leaf being blown by the winds of the world. With Him, I can grow green and healthy. I can give shade to those around me.
Being a leaf on the tree of Christ also means that I am surrounded by other leaves. I am really not alone! There are many, many leaves on this glorious tree. Although we are all part of one tree, we do not look alike, think alike, or act alike. God in His great mercy and diversity is taking leaves from all cultures and nations and making them His own. The more I comprehend this, the more I understand that it is not about me (my leaf) but it is about the tree – Jesus. He is standing strong and tall against everything and I am apart of Him. What joy to know that I am not only not alone but I am part of the best and greatest good.
Prayer: Father, thank you for sending Jesus to stand in my place for my sins and to stand for me through life, death, and eternity. Help me to remember Him when I am feeling alone and sad that my joy may be restored in Christ. Help me to remember Him when I am feeling strong and self-sufficient. Life is not about me but about Him.