God is so good. The most recent thing He has used to teach me a lesson is a Bradford Pear tree. Yep, a tree...a big one, at that. This pear tree has stood in front of the garage for probably as many years as this house has been here...about 25 years, I'd guess (we moved here in October 2006). Upon moving in it was requested for the tree to come down, but I saw a great tree that would provide shade for our home and for us to play in during the hot GA summers. It did just that. But, it also provided a home for ants, centipedes, and who knows what else. The birds loved to sit in the tree and drop presents on any unsuspecting vehicle under them. It smelled awful like fish in the spring when it bloomed. Flower petals, fake "pears" (more like hard nuts), and leaves fell at one time or another throughout 9 months of the year. This summer it dropped a large branch during a rainstorm that came very close to hitting the house. About a month ago, in a moment of weakness (or clear thinking, depending upon how you look at it), I gave consent for the tree to come down. I've never seen a project come to life so quickly or be finished in such a timely manner in all of my life. Really.
The tree is now gone and in it's place is an open patch of sky that provides a great many stars at night. The light of day lasts just a little bit longer on that side of the house now. And, I can walk barefoot in my driveway without ouching my way along. One would never know there had been a tree even there. Come spring, there's an open canvas just waiting on me and my "let's plant something" mindset.
I have not once missed that nuisance of a pear tree.
Isn't it just like fear to keep us from letting go and making room for something beautiful in our lives. As I stood and looked at the open space that once held a monster of a tree, I saw a chance for something new. God nudged my heart that it's time to make room for something beautiful in another area of my life. But in order to do so, I have to let go of something first, just like I had to let go of that tree. It isn't easy. In fact, it's heart wrenching. But...
God is perfect.
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deuteronomy 32:4He is love.
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8Believing these truths, I can start to wrap my mind around this...
Perfect love casts out fear.
This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:17-18I am on a journey of faith, hope and belief in a God who loves me and wants the very best for me. He gave His son for me to have an abundant life and I desire it now more than ever!
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 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. 1 John 10:9-10Bring on the beautiful!
What a lovely post. I have been learning similar things, so a joy to read. I have those pears, so I know what you mean about them. I also listen to NeedToBreathe and something beautiful. I hope to play some other songs in your playlist.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! Fear certainly gets a hold of us, even in the smallest of things. One of my faves is 2 Timothy 1:7-For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power! Thank you, Lord! Stopping by from the Hip homeschool Hop!
ReplyDeleteHello. I am stopping by from Hip Homeschool Hop - it's nice to "meet" you. I enjoyed reading your post and am a new follower :-)
ReplyDelete-Angela
http://homemadewisdom.blogspot.com/
Great thought! I've often found it true in my life as well that I have to let go of the old to allow new beauty in. I found you through Hip Homeschool Hop.
ReplyDeletehttp://LivingMontessoriNow.com
Beautiful post. I am visiting from GMG today.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful meditations, don't you love how God uses everyday situations to teach us and draw us closer to Him! {side note... Thanks for following DWYH and your encouraging words!}
ReplyDeleteHi there! Thank you, Janet, for visiting my prayergifts blog. Your post here resonates with me. God has beautiful things in store for us both! Hope to get to know you better, LeeBird
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