Only God Can Make A Tree

Only God Can Make A Tree
Posted on Apr 23, 2017 in Devotions
By:  Fatima Jamlig
 
“I think that I shall never see, A poem lovely as a tree…A tree that looks at God all day and lifts it’s leafy arms to pray…Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.” This Joyce Kilmer poem ‘Trees’ is one of my favorites as it lovingly describes God’s creation, attributing its beauty to Him alone, the Grand Designer.

Gardening is my retreat from dealing with man-made distractions every day. It is a lot of work however and I can get immersed in the digging, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, de-bugging and mulching activities. Feeling so tired while weeding one time, I stopped and just stared at the Magnolia flowers and leaves and marveled at how beautifully intricate the design is, and looking at the pine tree beside it, its leaves are so different yet equally amazing! I remembered that each living thing has it’s own design and purpose. My eyes wandered down the roots and was amazed at how both trees get their nutrients from the soil as well as through its leaves. What a complex yet effective and efficient feeding system! Closing my eyes and feeling the warmth of the sun and dewy grass, I felt happy that God created the sun and the morning dew.  

 
No matter how much work I put in to nurture a plant, only God can make stems and leaves sprout out from a tiny seed, and pull it up higher towards heaven, expanding it’s branches, making it’s trunk stronger through time amidst the wind and the sun and the rain. Only God can make it bear flowers and fruits.  

I hugged my Magnolia tree. And prayed. Lord, please don’t let my neighbor think I’ve lost it…but I just want to thank you for this tree and for your Grand Design. Reveal your plans for my life, so that I can focus my efforts and the purpose for how you have designed me will be fulfilled. In Jesus might name Amen.