When we lived in California there was a Christmas Tree Farm down the winding road from our home. Everyday we drove past it on our way to work. We noticed all different sizes, colors, and species of evergreen trees. They were in various stages of growth as well because the farmer kept replacing those cut trees with seedlings that grew fast. We enjoyed the different intoxicating smells as we past. Christmas grew closer and the snap of colder fog often left a reminder to visit the farm to choose our trees.
Sometimes, I see all of us like seedlings. We are all either ahead or behind each other. Some have matured and are ready to be harvested while some of us need a little more water, fertilizer, sawdust, or sunshine. All year long the farmer takes care of each seedling whether it’s small, medium, or large until they grow back to the Father for His glory. It seems such a long time ago, but the seedlings were protected by the middle sized ones and the larger mature trees in turn protected the middle.
Lord use us to offer a hand up for one another behind to take the next step onward and upward . For those ahead, use us to offer words of encouragement or a drink of water.