An Old Tree

[Guest guest]

An Old Tree

 

Once upon a time there was a leafy tree in a field. Leaves grew densely

on the tall branches. The roots were deeply into the ground. The tree

was the most remarkable among the rest. The tree then became the home

for some birds. They built their nests and they lived on his branches.

The birds made holes on him, and they hatched their eggs within the

greatness of the tree. The tree felt so delighted because he was

accompanied as he walked through his long lasting days.

 

People were grateful for the presence of the tree. They often came over

and sheltered under him. Under his branches, they sat down and opened

their picnic baskets. " This tree is very useful, " that's what the people

said everytime they went home from shelter. The tree was very proud

hearing those compliments.

 

However, time went on. The tree was beginning to be sick. His leaves and

twigs were falling, then his body became thin and pale. The greatness he

used to have was fading away. Birds felt reluctant to build their nests

there. No one would come to sit under the tree to shelter anymore.

 

The tree wept, " Oh God, why is it so hard for me? I need friends. Now no

one would come close to me. Why do you take all the glory I used to

have? " The tree cried loudly, so it echoed throughout the forest. " Why

wouldn't you cut me down, so I don't have to bear this suffering? " The

tree kept on crying, and his tears were running down his dry body.

 

Seasons came and went, but his condition had not changed. The tree was

still feeling lonely. His branches became drier and drier. Every night

the tree wept and cried, until the morning broke.

 

" Cheep...chirp. ...cheep " Ah, what was that noise? Oh, it's a little

baby bird who has just pipped from the egg. The old tree woke up from

his daydream.

 

" Cheep...chirp. ..cheep " , the noise became louder and louder. There was

another baby bird. Not long after that, the tree became noisy because of

the birth of new baby birds. One...two... three...and four baby birds

have been born to this world. " Ah, He has answered my prayers, "

exclaimed the old tree.

 

The day after, there were many birds flying to the old tree. They were

going to build new nests.

 

The dry branches have turned out to attract their attention to nest

there. The birds felt warmer to stay inside the dry branches instead of

their place before. The number of birds was increasing and there were

more kinds of them. " Wow, now my days are brighter with their presence

here " , murmured the old tree gladly.

 

The old tree was back to cheer again. And when he looked down, his heart

was flowing with joy. There was a new little tree growing near his

roots. The new tree seemed to smile at him. The tears of the old tree

has grown a little tree who would continue his devotion to nature.

 

Dear friends, that's the way it is. Is there any lesson that we could

take from the story? God always has secret plans for us. The Almighty

God will always gives answers to our questions. Eventhough it is not

always easy to guess what the resolution is, be certain that the

Omniscient God knows what's best for us.

 

When there are times He sends temptation for us, in other times He gives

us His overflowing blessings. The test He gives us isn't something that

can't be overcome. When God gave the temptation to the old tree,

actually He DELAYED in giving His glory. God didn't choose to cut the

old tree down since He kept some secrets. God was testing his patience.

 

So, dear friends, be sure, whatever temptation we are facing is a part

of the chain of glory He is preparing for us. Don't give up, and don't

be discouraged. God is always there beside patient people.Let us be part

of this group

 

Regards

 

Prasanna Kumar

/

</>