Over the years I have met people whom I call friends and they return the favor. We should never take the offered friendship of another for granted, for true friendship at any level is a gift.
Having said this I must share the note from one of my Pre-Facebook friends and I know Jim Barns meant well when he sent this to his friends including me.
"Don't worry of your job is small, if your rewards are few; remember that the mighty Oak was once a nut like you."
You may find it hard to believe but Jim's note is among the kindest I have ever received. I am thinking of having it made into a plaque.
After a laughing session I got to thinking about Jim's gem and it does contain much material for serious thought.
Most everything in life starts out small and gradually grows to whatever size is determined by the genetic make-up. The genes do play a role as witnessed by the truth the kids used to bring home from the playground, blissfully ignorant of the truth of the saying, "If your parents did not have children neither will you."
Jim's tree was the mighty Oak and I love the trees as my boyhood area was covered with these hard wood giants.
Jim's zinger is helpful in that like the Oak tree, people can and should grow for growth is part of our design both physically and spiritually. This principle of growth carries over into the things we do as with growing in grace, patience, Christlikeness, and in expertise in the things we do. Ball players in every field know they must improve (grow) or someone who is growing the special skills will take their job. The same is true in a Symphony Orchestra, or writing, singing, being a good husband or wife.
We all start out as little "nuts" but to remain a little nut is abnormal. (I can read in the mind the number of assurances I will receive acknowledging that am a growing nut).
In spiritual things a number of spiritual dynamics play a part in our personal growth. God's grace for sure, a growing knowledge, both in head and heart of the scripture, chastening, prayer and others. The list is longer, but you get the idea.
The events in the life span of an Oak Tree each play an important part in its growth and beauty. The same is true in our life as humans and Christians. Learning to enjoy our life of growth is part of the excitement of living the life abundant, which Christ provides.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
