Once there were three little trees, all with big dreams. The first tree dreamed of being carved into a beautiful and ornate treasure box that would hold the greatest treasure the world have ever seen. The second tree dreamed of being fashioned into a great ship that would sail the Seven Seas. The third tree didn't want to leave its home on the mountaintop. "I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me," he said, "they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God."
One day when the young saplings had grown into tall, strong trees, three woodcutters climbed the mountain. As they cut down the first tree, it could barely contain its excitement- it just knew it would soon fulfill its destiny. But instead of an elaborate treasure chest, workers made the tree into a plain, ordinary feedbox for farm animals. The tree felt bitterly disappointed.
The second tree got made into a ship, all right- but not the kind to crest the waves of mighty oceans. It became just a simple fishing vessel, floating in a lake- not the stuff dreams are made of.
The third tree, to its horror and dismay, also got choped down, cut into wooden beams, and then left to gather dust in a lumberyard. "All I ever wanted ws to stay on the mountaintop and point to God," it moaned.
Time passed and the trees forgot their dreams, until one night when a young woman placed her baby in the animal feedbox- and the first tree knew that indeed it carried the greatest treasure on earth!
Another night, a tired man and his friends crowded onto the little fishing boat. They got halfway across the lake when a terrible storm blew in, threatening to tear the boat to pieces. The tired man stood up and said, "Peace, be still." The second tree knew then that it was carrying the King of Heaven and Earth.
One Friday morning the third tree felt itself yanked from the woodpile and dragged through city streets, where crowds shouted insults. The tree felt cruel and ugly when it realized it had become an instrument of torture. Soldiers nailed a man's hands and feet to its beams. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy, the tree stood tall, knowing that from now on, it would forever point people to God.
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I love this story. Is it not just incredible?
When circumstances change dreams, have the knowing that He is producing a great ending.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
"Beautiful Ending" BarlowGirl
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