I Just Want To Be A Tree

It has become a tradition at our house to read the story of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Eve before heading to bed. It is a great way to reflect on the reason we celebrate. I also like to read other books and stories of the Christmas season to my kids. My favorite is the ‘Tale of Three Trees’.
The story starts with three trees discussing dreams of what they would like to become one day. One wanted to be a treasure chest and hold a great treasure. Another wanted to be a mighty sailing ship fit for a king. The third wanted to simply stay in the forest and be the tallest tree, pointing toward heaven.
Eventually lumberjacks came and cut down the first tree, only using him for basic lumber and making him a simple feeding trough for animals. The second didn’t get what she wanted, becoming a small fishing boat fit for carrying loads of stinky fish. Of course, the third didn’t get his dream as the lumberjacks came and cut him down and made him into a couple of rough sawn beams.
The first tree eventually held the greatest treasure of all as Mary used him as a crib for Jesus. The second had her dream of carrying a king come true one day when Jesus, the King of kings, stepped onto her deck and calmed a raging storm. The third became an everlasting symbol pointing toward heaven, as we now recognize him as the cross that Jesus was nailed to.
I hope this story is an encouragement as you dream of what you might become someday. Remember to hold loosely to that dream as you discover how God may choose to make it come true. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14) and you were made for a purpose (Jer. 29:11)! Celebrate what God has done for you and ask Him to fulfill your dreams.