Can a Dead Tree Live?

For months, I have driven passed this tree along the ninety-one-mile trek of highway as my husband and I travel to visit family and friends in our old hometown. Every time we’d pass it, I’d tell myself, “I want a picture of that tree.” Finally, last week, we pulled to the shoulder of the highway, and my husband snapped the photo…so here you have it.

Why was it so important to me?

People are like this tree. Their lives have branched out in multiple directions.

Now, my analytical friends are probably saying, “Loretta, that’s just a dead tree.”

To which I say, “You may see a dead tree, but I see a tree symbolic of the paths we choose during our life’s journey.”

I know, it may sound crazy, but I visualize stories and analogies through objects.

If a rocking chair could talk, would it tell us how many mothers comforted crying babies, how many rooms it found a home in, or how many times it needed repairs?

If walls could talk, what stories could they tell?

If shoes could talk, where would they take you?

For me, there are stories everywhere.

You get the picture?

Now you know why this tree gripped my imagination. So let’s get to the real focus. To me, this tree displays life from its foundation/beginning to the far extensions of its branches.

• A strong foundation. Its roots hidden where we cannot see them, but we know they are there.
  • “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 3:11 NIV).
• The main trunk, maturing the tree as it grows.
  • You as an individual.
  • “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:4 NIV).
• Thick, strong branches strutting out purposely. Three main branches, one of which, divides into two other branches.
• Branch #1: Relationship with Christ
• Branch #2: Marriage
  • Divided branches: Family & Career
• Branch #3: Friendships
• Smaller branches could be identified as hobbies, sports, talents, etc. Use your imagination.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me

and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me

you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV).

True, this is just a tree, but if your imagination soars like mine, it can live on and be symbolic of so many other areas of your life. It’s still standing, still holding its own, and still making a statement.

Challenge: Examine the tree. Draw your branches and see where they extend. If Christ isn’t the foundation, you may need to reconsider where your feet are planted.

Loretta