Not Just any Branch.

Today, I was walking on campus, hurriedly going to my next class. There were throngs of people in every direction, and the air seemed to be extra cold. As I turned the corner, I saw a gigantic portion of a huge oak tree that had crashed down in one of the common areas... I saw it from far away, and even from my position, I could see that it must have been a massive crash.

After my theatre class, I walked over to check it out, and to be honest? It was amazing. The inside of the section of the tree that had fallen was basically completely hollow. The massive section of branches had fallen down because it had "separated" from the central part of the tree. (I did not gather this on my own. There was a geology major standing next to me, so I asked him how it happened!!)

For some reason, I have thought about that tree all afternoon. It was seriously one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I so wish I had taken a picture. If it is still there tomorrow, that is exactly what I will be doing!

I don't want to be like this portion of the tree. At all. Hollow in my faith, and beaten down by the world. The branches fell over because they were no longer being fed and strengthened by the roots. You could see all the lines and areas where water had seeped in over time and weakened the tree.

I don't know how many times I've walked right in the middle of that area this semester. How many times I've literally been sitting right UNDER that tree. How many times I've watched countless study sessions happening right under the section of branches that fell. Never in my wildest imagination did I think any part of this old oak tree might fall down. It looked solid... and safe.

How often am I like this? Putting on a good show? Trying hard to make it look like everything is good and together? When really, the rain is seeping in. Tunnels are being created that are weakening my connection to the main tree... to the vine. When I feel like I'm going to break off and crash.

A year ago the answer would been ALL.THE.TIME. My life was characterized by the "good show" I was putting on for the masses. But really? My life needed major help.

So God decided to strategically place some strong branches in my life to slowly feed and bring nourishment. Sometimes it was my favorite neighbor just down the street, a phone call from a mom, or a sweet facebook message from a friend. But most often it was the sweet words of Isaiah or Ruth, Daniel or David.

... and I'm so SO thankful He did.

Today, and every day, I want to be a branch. But not just any branch. I want to be a solid branch. But solidarity doesn't come from just a few feeble attempts at prayer or the study of His Word. I must keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking... with the full belief that He is there. He is listening, creating a strength that is unshakeable and unbreakable.

Oh, how I love the lessons that Jesus chooses to teach through something as simple as a fallen tree.

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." ~Jesus, in John 15:4

Thankful for the Vine who gives me life, and the strong branches He chooses to place on my tree :)

~Lyss