Being the tree

The thinner the skin, like the leaves of the tree, the more permeable to light. The denser the the body, like the trunk of the tree, more light blocking. To everything there is a season and a purpose under heaven. There is a time to be vulnerable: To yield to the glory of God’s light within; To not resist the tears that well or withhold sweet words of affirmation and gratitude. Speak the truth in love. Confess your faults to each other. Pray for each other. Rejoice when they rejoice. Weep when they weep. Hold loosely yet love profoundly. Be patient for in each moment is the next chance you have to love better than you did before. Exhaust yourself in the climb to thrill others without strings. Be easy to be with. Always find the positive in every circumstance. Be deliriously happy with who you are and where you are knowing it, and you, can only get better with God’s help.

And be like the trunk of the tree. Resist the urge to complain. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Obey. Put on the character and Spirit of Jesus who came to serve and rescue the lost. Don’t try to make a good impression. Look for someone who needs friend. Rejoice in the Lord and in the power of His might. Sing unto the Lord a new song. Your song. Share what you are learning about God with others. No one has a corner on all God has to teach. Read your Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to explain what you are reading. Underline verses that are especially meaningful. Write down your questions and the answers you get than share them with a friend who you are confident has a relationship with Jesus.
Keep a prayer journal to keep track of all God is doing because you pray. If you love Jesus He calls you friend. You are His friend, ambassador, priest, saint, light, salt, warrior. His letter written for all to read. Be the tree. Suffer as a good soldier. Consider each trial as God’s workout to build stronger muscles for patience, endurance, hope, faith, joy and love. Be the tree.

And be the leaf.
Prayer: Heavenly Father You call us to come as we are and so we do. You love us without exception or qualifications. There is nothing hidden from You within us: no thought or motive or action You don’t already know and You haven’t already delt with on the cross. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for calling us to accomplish great things. Thank You for loving the weak because we are weak. Thank You for choosing the unlikely because You do the impossible when we don’t get in Your way. It’s hard to understand why You set Your heart on us but it must be pretty exciting to have already seen how our story ends and we and ALWAYS win! 😄 We love You!