Devotionals

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Crape Myrtle Love Tree

“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV

My favorite wedding photo of my husband and I was taken outside our church in front of a gorgeous Crape Myrtle tree. The tree provided the perfect back drop of green and dark pink. The ample blossoms hinted at the beautiful love that was shared between us and of the love to be shared in the years to come.

Almost twenty years later, we still go to the same church and walk by the tree frequently. I noticed the other day while passing by, the tree has been cut back for the winter. It was a sad sight to see as no pretty flowers adorned the tree, only shortened brown limbs sprouted up from the ground. If one didn’t know better, you would think the tree is dead at first glance.

The Crape Myrtle tree holds sentimental value to me because of all it represented as a newly married young couple. The tree signified our love for each other, full and beautiful in every way. However, I can’t help but think that the tree that symbolizes our marriage may not always look like the one pictured in the photo I love so much.

A few times, our tree of love might closely resemble the pruned tree that is in our church yard now. There have definitely been hard times in our marriage. We have not had a perfect union, as seldom anyone does. Plenty of mistakes have been made along our journey and at times, I have felt as though our love withered under the pressures of life. But even in those dormant seasons, we were persistent in loving God and loving each other. Usually the trying times we experience yield a healthier marriage relationship, one that is encouraged to continue to grow and nurture each other. We cling to the verse about love in 1 Corinthians that says, “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” This verse assures me the tree of love will blossom again, even if it seems hopeless. God can bring a renewing to marriage just as the hope of Spring and Summer bring new birth to His creation of plants and vegetation.

Pray that God will help you in your marriage, whether you are facing hard times or basking in the light of fresh love. God is there to help protect your union if you fully rely on Him. Do not give up and have persistent faith your marriage can be productive and healthy, just like the Crape Myrtle tree of love from my wedding day.

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