I am bent over deeply for you to climb onto my strong arms. I lay my branches down as a
symbol of humility. My deep bend symbolizes an easy way for you to grab on to me. Come
take your place with me, beside me, amongst me to feel my shade and my quiet presence. I have weathered many storms. You are welcome here. You are welcome to sit amongst my leaves and rest in my shade. I am bent over as a sign of grace and invitation to come to me and rest your weary bones.
I go through many seasons. In winter I am stripped bare of my beauty. In summer, I endure through the heat and provide shade for other plants and animals. In spring new life comes to my branches in restoration. I bloom again; I am strong.
But one day after I have let many play upon me, use me, and even cut me down, time will
have taken its toll. The cycle of life will take its course, and the end will be near. There’s a beginning and there’s an end. Just like a life on earth for humansand animals there’s a beginning and there’s an end. But with Jesus there is eternity…
Just like this beautiful tree, Jesus can be our shade and our rest. The journey with God
can be hard. Life is hard at times. God never promises easy, but He promises to be with us. He promises to be there; He promises to give us a place to sit and to rest. He promises shade from the heat and protection from the storm. He promises to be there in every season of life no matter whether it is spring (restoration and new life), summer (scorching heat), fall (change), or winter (death). And even in death, He is there to guide us to our eternal Home.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV
“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 NIV
Forever in Christ,
Allison
