Like a Tree

Don't groan if you are not one of these types, but I love mornings!  They are my most productive time of the day.  Today was our coldest morning of the year so far, and after thanking the Lord for somewhere to stay warm, I embraced the day - got in a cup of coffee, Bible study, a quick workout, load of laundry done, supper planned then headed out the door.

A local Christian radio station is hosted by a couple who bring a positive and encouraging word on the drive to town. This morning the conversation revolved around trees and some differences in trees.

All year long, we see evergreen trees, they remain the same, they continue to be steadfast living, growing and keeping the same color.

The type of tree we notice most during this time of the year are Deciduous Trees. These are the trees that produce the gorgeous, breathtaking color in their leaves before the die back for the winter. 

Trees are all living and serve a valuable purpose.  One of the noticeable differences is the leaves and the color.  

Some Christians can be paralleled like trees. Each is different, but needs the same things to grow in Christ. "Evergreen Christians" are stately, beautiful, steady, consistent, dependable and durable.  For years, I have been what could be considered 'an evergreen'.  Disciplined in growing in the Lord, faithful to church ministries, dependable etc.

But there is something spectacular about the deciduous trees, something that captures your eye and causes you to long to linger and absorb their beauty.  Have you ever known a Christian like that?  They are someone so vibrant, so alive that you take a deeper look at their life to see what brings out this beauty?  

It is interesting that when the deciduous trees are in the most splendor is when they are actually dying.  Their season of glory quickly fades and after a rest during winter, they come alive again and share beauty as they grow, thrive and blossom.

As Christians, the qualities of an evergreen surely need to be in place.  We must have a firm foundation in the Lord and seek daily to live, love and grow in Christ. But, to be a thriving Christian, we must change seasons sometimes.  We undergo growth, trials, sadness, joy and changes.  The beauty comes during those seasons and reflect where our faith comes from - in God.  These Christians do more than survive, they thrive!

There is a beautiful contemporary song out called "Thrive".  This morning after the radio show's talk about trees, this song came on.  What a beautiful compliment to what was going through my mind and heart.  Here are some of the lyrics:

Here in this worn and weary land
Where many a dream has died

Like a tree planted by the water
We never will run dry

So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire

Just to know You and
To make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive

My heart is encouraged today to do more than survive, but to truly thrive, to know Him more and to make Him know.