Tree Saga Part 3

The tree continues to haunt us. Not in a good way, although certainly there are many wonderful memories of hours spent underneath the canopy of its massive limbs. It really was a wonderful tree but even wonderful can turn to woeful when out of control. And that's exactly what happened with this magnificent tree. Through no fault of its own, it was planted in a yard far too small by the builders, and despite years of faithful and beautiful service, the tree was doomed to death by chainsaw.

If you have been following my blog, you bore witness to its death last autumn. It took 35 years to reach its glory and less than one hour to be cut down. All that remained was its stump above ground and a clandestine network of roots underground. Holes were dutifully drilled into its core and appropriate root killer poured in. And in part 2 of the tree saga, a new driveway was installed to replace the one that was in the way of the spreading roots.

And so here we are again, revisiting the scene of the crime because now it's time to remove the stump and offending roots, and to start anew. This means that the deck and the plants must be removed so the crew can come in and begin the massive upheaval.

I could mourn the further loss of plant life. I could complain about the work ahead. But somehow, the very idea of digging everything up is a bit exhilarating. I have a chance to design a whole new front yard. No more invasive roots, No more deck getting slowly lifted to an angle unfit for sitting. What will remain is fresh soil and a virgin yard ready for rebirth.

Okay, I'm going to make the leap so stay with me on this. I'm the tree and the yard at the same time. Above ground, all seemed well but the roots of sin were anchoring my life in a way that was negatively affecting others as well as myself. Now don't go all People Magazine on me. I wasn't out there doing outrageous stuff but my sins of pride, judgment and selfishness were beginning to creep into every area of my life. It was time not just for a pruning but for a clean sweep. It was time to knock down the old me. And so the "tree" had to go, and along with it the very roots that kept it alive. What was left was a fresh patch of soil for new, healthy growth.

I am thankful that Jesus was my gardener. I am thankful that He wasn't afraid of the hard work that had to be done, and continues to be done, to convict me of my sin and prepare my heart and mind anew. I am thankful that He paid the price for my forgiveness and rebirth. I am thankful that His work was free to me, all for the asking. I am excited about the new seeds being planted in me.