I love to travel.  When the opportunity to go to Washington for a friend’s wedding arose, I did not hesitate accepting the invitation.  (Actually, I think I made the reservations before I was even invited!)  How exciting to fly across the country to see a dear friend!  Who wouldn’t go?

     I flew into Seattle, and oh, the sights I saw!  The Star Trek Convention being held at my hotel had many “characters” that made me question MY sanity in traveling alone.  Then as I drove to the Space Needle for dinner reservations at the Sky City Restaurant, the vehicle that was made of fur to look like a cow really had me wondering what I was thinking.

     I drove to Yakima, Washington the following day.  There were areas of lush forests, and also areas of dry desert.  Not much greenery could be found in the dry, parched areas.  As I drove, there was one tree that had lush, flowering leaves.  Such a strange sight in the desert.  It was one of a kind.  The extreme heat had scorched the other plants.  This tree, however, seemed to have withstood many years of inclement weather and still flourished, bearing beautiful, fragrant flowers that were exquisite to behold.

     I have thought of my own life.  I often am like those shrubs.  I tend to shrivel under the heat.  I have difficulty withstanding the extremes.  I tend to droop when not watered.  I need to be more like the tree in the desert and bear beautiful blossoms with grace when under pressure.

     Pressure flooded a dear angel’s life recently.  The inclement weather threatened to overtake her.  She has weathered other storms, but this storm collided with all that was known to be true.  The heat caused some of her branches to droop to the ground, weeping tears of uncertainty.  Yet, as her branches kissed the parched earth, she did not stop blossoming.  The tears served to water her deeply rooted faith and helped her to stand taller, more firm in her beliefs that God will never fail [us].  My angel’s life exemplifies the scripture found in Jeremiah 17:7-8 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.  They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.  Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.  Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit. (NLT)”

     When my angel faced another storm, she did not bend under the weight.  She did stretch her branches heavenward to absorb the promises and truths God showered on her, letting Him water her roots and refresh, replenish her spirit.  Oh, to be like a tree planted by the water and pattern my life after my godly examples.  Not only has my angel continued to stand firm, but she has been recognized by her fruits: Matthew 7:20 “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”  Her good fruit exemplifies a life lived for God.  All who see her know that she lives a righteous life.  She does not fail to give God the glory that is His.

     I want to be a tree like that: unwavering in the storms that come, reaching heavenward for the spiritual watering from God on High.  How wonderful to have those that are worthy of patterning your life after!  Such godly friends are rare, priceless.  I’m glad she is mine!

     May you be one that others can say, “I see Jesus in her!”

     Blessings,

     Becky