May 21, 2010
Reflection
Cherish the seeds which blow in the wind . . .
By ZOE CANNON (Vincennes)
Leaves have once again faithfully returned to the trees. I cannot imagine what it would be like if they just decided not to show up in the spring. Scrip-ture presents trees as the symbol of God’s Creation. On the basis of textual importance alone, the tree is the most significant non-human living organism in Scripture. Without introduction trees are the first thing which the first people meet in the Book of Genesis. Remember Adam and Eve? “And the Lord God made to grow out of the ground every tree that is pleasant and good for food . . . (Genesis 2:9) . . . and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:2)
Obediently, the leaves appear on the trees and there is an observable phenomenon every spring, a helicopter invasion.
The flying little seeds leave the maple tree and twirl around wherever the wind carries them. The possibility for the growth of a new tree could be in the jillions. Within weeks the evidence of their new home becomes noticeable as they sprout and take up residence in the grass, landscaping beds, gutters and just about any where there is moisture and dirt. They have little choice in where they plant themselves, as the wind controls their destination. They do not require much, a little water and sunshine. But oh the potential! This tiny fragile seed protected in a simple paper-like wing is designed to travel about and has the potential to become a very majestic, colorful tree. As we sweep, rake, curse and pull up these tiny seedlings, do we realize what a gift they really are?
God in all his wisdom de-signed everything in creation with purpose. He innocently or very intentionally fash-ioned similarities and meta-phors, much like the parables used in Scripture to aid us in understanding his plan for life. Being one of those who swept, pulled and became annoyed at the over abundance of debris these little twirly things left behind, I began to think about the number of tree seedlings I was tossing out. Feeling very thoughtful, I began wondering how many times I had discarded an opportunity to use one of God’s gifts. The reality is that we all innocently or maybe intentionally misuse what God has to offer pretty regularly. In the grand scheme of creation we are each given different gifts. What a great plan! Do we embrace and use our gift? Do we recognize where our contribution comes from and acknowledge with love the gifts of others? “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4:4-7)
There are many transitions occurring this time of year. The newness in the rebirth of spring is much like our family unit, which changes with weddings, graduations, or the completion of one more school year. It is clear; we are one body with many parts. One tree with many leaves, and like the twirling helicopters, if we do not plant safely where we land and use the gifts we have to share, there will be no growth. Many acknowledgments and awards are offered this time of year for achievements viewed by our peers. As important as it is to use and share our own gifts, we must embrace and nurture the gifts of others to make God’s intended plan complete. It is only through our faithfulness to prayer that we humans can accomplish this daily task. It is sometimes tough to accept the plan created for us; we often feel someone else has the better gift. If we look back at the connections and events of our lives, we can clearly see God knew what he was doing. In scripture trees may truly provide fruit, pleasant and good for food, and it may represent healing of the nations, but it is our responsibility to obediently protect the trees in our lives. They did not just happen along like helicopters in the wind. God envisioned them all for us. Nurture the gift! “Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blueprint of your ultimate achievements.” Napoleon Hill . . . But the greatest honor is in faithfully acknowledging God, who created it all for us to enjoy!