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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Leniency (04/18/24)
There it grew on the bank of the winding creek in the narrow valley field. This tree was a big, strong Ponderosa Pine, but it was different from all the trees of the forest in the way it grew. You see, this mighty pine grew at about a forty-five degree angle to the ground, if not leaning further than that. Some great spring runoff had no doubt washed away part of the foundation on which the tree stood so that it started to tilt downward. Wearily, it had bowed a little to some great wind and never stood aright again. Every snow that fell upon its branches must have weighed it down all the more until it leaned greatly.
Week after week, month after month, we drove by this tree and contemplated the crazy way in which it grew. As winter drew near, we started guessing how much longer it would stand, for it was clear it could not stand forever that way. Against the speculations of some, that old tree survived that winter, and others too. The new growth turned towards the sky. Nevertheless, that tree continued to sink slowly.
Although that great tree stood for quite some time, it continued to bow to every strong wind that blew upon it and shift as each wave washed away its rooting. Too late the tree tried to grow straight up towards the sky, for it had succumbed to often to the wind and waves that pushed it down. This slow decline in the tree’s standing ebbed away at its height until at last, its roots gave way in a mighty storm and the tree crashed down to the earth. It lay dying on the bank of the creek. Soon saws came, ripped off its branches, and cut up that old tree for firewood. It had been too weak to stand before the wind. It failed to brace itself and guard the foundation on which it was built. It had been too lenient to stand against the opposition. Now it was dead, broken down to the ground, its roots ripped up that it had failed to strengthen in the beginning.
Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (KJV)
(Based on a true story)
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This article has been read 417 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Naoma Bird
04/25/24
I enjoyed reading your story, however had there been more seperation of paragraphes it would have made it easier to read.

You could have followed this sentence ("Too late the tree tried to grow straight up towards the sky, for it had succumbed to often to the wind and waves that pushed it
down.") with a word of
encouragment by adding that as long as we are still breathing, it is never "too late" to receive Christ as Savior and be saved.

Keep writing!
Marlene Custer 
04/26/24
You provided a good lesson using this interesting tree. I agree that reading would be easier with appropriate spacing.
Em Bonja
05/02/24
I loved your unique approach to the topic! You developed it well!