Finding meaning in a Tree

As I look out the window of our cozy
little den on the first floor, Flat B, for some of the final glimpses of the tree I've grown to love... I see something worth noting in my heart. Once again God has shown me a life lesson through His Creation we call Nature.

Just glancing at the tree, I might just see...well, a tree in the middle of a concrete jungle. But with a closer look & my mind quieted from the noises of life.. I begin to really look at that tree. It's a metaphor of a person. It could be me. I have to examine this thought.

The center of the tree is what my eyes are drawn to. The very center, which by contrast, is unlike the rest of the tree. It isn't green with flourishing leaves. Instead it's brown. Brown with decay & death. I begin to think of the tree as a person. The very center, or core if you will, being the heart.

Giving in to the pains, disappointments and frustrations of our lives over time can cause our hearts to decay. Just recently I had a discouraging, disappointing moment. It was just that. It only took a millisecond of my time. But the lasting effects could cause a huge shift in my life...if I let it. I am quite certain the person causing this has no clue what effect their action has had on me. But if I allow their action and my disappointment to take root in my heart...I know it will be like the brown leaves in the center of that tree. If I let any seeds of bitterness start to grow and I water it with my emotions, then I know where my heart will end up. That's a real temptation for me. I know because that's a real area of sin for me. And guess what? Satan knows it, too. His plan for me would be to dwell on the disappointments so that my heart won't get the nourishment I need from a loving God, and soon it would grow cold, bitter and angry. Just like the way I see the center of that tree.
I have to fight that temptation..and with help I can do it. Alone I don't stand a chance. My Savior came for just these kinds of reasons. To help my heart stay green & flourishing. To help me keep it watered in His love & His Word..which is Truth.

So His revelation out my window this early morning (almost my last here in this tiny, beautiful flat)... has reminded me to see clearly the battle within. Thank you, Jesus, for the picture you've given my heart this day. The good news? You are with me. You are for me. You will help me overcome because you overcame. You've already won, you reign victorious. And you share your victory with me.

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
Proverbs 4:23