Thoughts on My Children

My favorite legend is the Tale of Three Trees because it always makes me think of my own three children. For those of you, who are unfamiliar with this story, I will share a quick version. However, they are far more poetic and longer versions of the same story. Once upon a time there were three trees who all had a dream of what they wanted to be someday. Tree 1 hoped to be a beautiful treasure chest that would be filled with gold, silver, and precious gems. Tree 2 hoped to be a strong ship that would carry great kings and sail mighty waters. Tree 3 hoped to grow straight and to be the tallest tree in the forest pointing people toward heaven. Time passed and one day woodsmen came and cut down the trees. They were each made into something that was far from their dreams. Tree 1 was made into a feedbox for animals- not a beautiful treasure chest filled with treasure. Tree 2 was made into a small fishing boat - not a strong and mighty ship to carry great kings. Tree 3 was cut into long, large beams and left alone in the dark- no longer a tall, straight tree in the forest. Many years passed by, and the three trees forgot about each of their dreams. But God had not forgotten. One starry night in a Bethlehem stable, Tree 1 held the greatest treasure in all the world - Baby Jesus. One evening a great storm arose, and Tree 2 didn't think he could keep his passengers safe, then one man who had been asleep in the boat arose, and he calmed the storm; and the tree knew that he carried the King of Kings across the waters. Finally Tree 3 was made into a rugged cross, and a man was nailed to it. High upon a hill, he died upon that cross. When Sunday morning came the tree knew that it was Jesus that had died for everyone upon that cross. So the tree would always be a symbol that would point people toward Heaven. God always had a plan for the three trees. They thought their dreams were forgotten, but God had a different plan to fulfill their dreams. As a mother, I had hopes and dreams for my three children. At times, it is easy to believe that due to their special needs and the circumstances of our lives that they will not be able to accomplish those hopes and dreams. This story reminds me that sometimes the hopes and dreams we have are very small compared to the grand plan that God has for us. And just because it may appear that are dreams are lost in the shuffle of life, does not mean that is actually true. I have faith that all the hopes and dreams I have for my children will come to pass; it may just not be in the way that I imagined. But I'm certain God's plan is even better than I could ever imagine on my own. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3: 5-7 For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Three thing will last forever - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 Like Created In His Image on Facebook Originally posted December 2012