spring is coming to God's bonsai tree ...

Today was a taste of spring -- blue skies, temps in the 50's, sunshine and melting snow. We visited the state park at Fort Phoenix (Fairhaven) and this persistent tree caught my eye. It stands on a small patch of ground caught between boulders left by the last glacier and the river, and it is bent by the force of the prevailing winds. It can't stand straight and tall like the oaks and maples, but it stands. Pretty soon, it will bud and leaf out. I'm looking forward to coming back later to see what this sturdy little tree will do with sunshine, rain, and soil.

As I have thought about this tree which was crafted by the Hand of our Heavenly Father, I am reminded of the Japanese art form of bonsai trees. They are exquisite miniature trees, crafted over years, that express an inner vision for that tree. This tree has been crafted with His inner vision in mind and it has a beauty that comes from the Father's tender care. It is bent to His will and His vision. We are called to become the Father's walking bonsai trees -- fulfilling the vision that He has for us. The hard part of being His bonsai is that pruning is required! Jesus told us that I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. (John 15:1-4) This tree tells us to trust the Father's hand while He is pruning us. He has a vision for the tree that we can become, and He wants our lives to be fruitful.

When you look at the nation and all of what's going on with Detroit, Wall Street, and Main Street, it's important to remember that Spring will come. We will not continue in the current winter forever, and that all of this is about restoring us to His vision. Psalm 30 verse 5 says weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. We all can get focused on today's troubles and forget that troubles pass. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6: 34), Jesus told us Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

This persistent little tree has not given in to worry -- it just keeps growing and bending. It keeps on letting the Father craft it into that final work of art. Spring will come, and I can't wait to see what the Father's bonsai looks like with its coat of green leaves.

Keep the faith!