{{It is Friday. Today I link with Lisa Jo Baker for Five Minute Friday. Here is how it worksā¦. One word prompt. Five minutes. No editing. Lots of women. Everyone writes on the same word. Equals a great time.}}
Today’s word … TREE.
It was the first summer we had bought our house – 22 years ago. Our yard seemed huge to this Bronx girl who had been raised with cement surrounding her days.
Our neighbor had handed the kids what seemed like a twig with a few leaves and even less roots. He informed me that it was a maple sapling he had found that had sprung up in his bushes. The kids were excited at the idea of planting it.
We picked the farthest corner in our yard. We dug a hole, loosened the soil and planted it. Our first time, EVER, planting a tree together.
We never could have known then how it would have grown. It is now a glorious tree – standing tall and filling out the entire corner – the corner that has been its home. In the summer, its leaves are green and glossy, reflecting the sun. In the fall, the same leaves are glorious in color, boasting of the wonders of God. Its shape is perfect.
I look at that tree and it reminds me to be faithful. To grow where I am planted. Not to despise small beginnings.
I marvel that I had read this verse before going to bed, not knowing today’s prompt would be tree. My Bible is still opened to the Scriptures….
“He told them another parable. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the larges of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that birds of the air come and perch in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32, NIV).
And I read in my Bible notes:
Seemingly small and insignificant beginnings can end with glorious consummation.
This morning, I pray, “May it be true of my life, Lord.”
And may it be true of yours as well.
I joined Lisa Jo at Five Minute Friday and also … Fellowship Fridays and Friendship Fri. and Faith Filled Fri. and Fun Fri. Blog Hop and Faithful Fri. Blog Hop and Fri. Flash Blog and Essential Fri. and Womanhood With Purpose .
I love that you planted that tree. I’ve always wanted to, and never done it. Small beginnings are all we have, aren’t they? Stopping by from FMF.
Small beginnings can make a large difference. Maybe even long after we are gone. Those trees can stand for generations. Thank you for prompting me to think even more on this š
Stopping by from FMF. You write beautifully, and I am thankful for the reminder your words are to me this morning. God works in huge ways in small “me”s. Truth is sometimes so simple, yet so profound.
We can so complicate truth, can’t we? Yet God states it all so plainly for us to read in His Word. Thanks for sharing with me today as well!
I love your story! We planted many little twiggy trees when we married 24 years ago. It brings me such joy to see how big they have become. One of the fastest growing trees that I enjoy each summer is our Mimosa trees. They provide an awesome pink, sweet canopy.
Thank you for visiting me!
Have a blessed Friday!
Beth
Mimosa trees are stunning. I don’t think they would do well here in New England though š So glad that you visited!
Dear Joanne
Oh, this is so fulfilling to see a tree that you have planted growing to maturity. What a nice welcoming gift to give your new neighbors; a baby tree that can grow like the friendship between neighbors! I would like to see your tree in its summer glory as well.
Blessings XX
Mia
Mia – It is now bare of any leaves. If I remember, I will post a picture when it is in full bloom again š
May you have a blessed Friday!
Joanne
Love this –> I look at that tree and it reminds me to be faithful. To grow where I am planted. Not to despise small beginnings.
Thanks for the reminder today!
Holly – I so love that we all come together, one prompt, varied thoughts. And we all learn & grow from one another. How beautiful community is!
What a beautiful story, Joanne, and told in such a lovely way. Amazing how God used that Scripture from last night. It encourages me to think of insignificant beginnings becoming major moments of glory for God.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis, may we be faithful to the small things He calls us to each day. And leave the rest to Him to do.
Blessings,
Joanne
Truly beautiful post!!! I love your reminders, and am adopting them for myself. Blessings, Shelly
May your life bloom big in the days ahead, Shelly!
Growing where I’m planted and faithfulness are two lessons that seem to be coming up in my life often. š We don’t have the deep roots, physically, just yet (working on them!) but how much more important it is to be rooted in the love of God. A lesson I definitely want to pass onto my daughter. š Such beautiful words today…thank you! Blessings. š
Mel – As I read your comment, it hit me that the deepened roots take time. The older the tree, the more extensive the root system becomes. May we live in Him each day. And yes, may we pass it on! Have a great weekend!