Our sons grew up with seedling trees many years ago. Our trees endured many storms. You might say the same thing of our boys. We disciplined in love but greatly cherished those three little boys. We tried to protect and keep them from all harm. Of course we went through health emergencies, accidents and sleepless nights. That happens while bringing up children, but memories of happy times, family celebrations, a lot of love and many, many prayers are remembered blessings.

            The boys grew along with those seedling trees. They both grew tall and stately. They both needed training. We watered, fed and protected our trees and tried to help them withstand external forces that threatened.

            We did the same thing with three sons. We spent most of the time training our sons in the love and faithfulness of God…that he is a “Refuge, a Fortress, and a Solid Rock” in times of difficulties and external forces.

            Looking back I am reminded of Psalm 1:2-3: “They love the Lord’s teachings, and they think about those teachings day and night. They are strong, like a tree planted  by a river. The tree produces fruit in season, and its leaves don’t die. Everything they do will succeed.” (NCV)

            I love to awaken in the morning and see the tops of our trees swaying in the breeze. They seem eager to greet the dawn. So did our sons. They ran to our bedroom to greet the dawn with pillow fights.

            We clapped our hands many times for the boys’ achievements and I thought of Isaiah 55:12: “So you will go out with joy and be led out in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees in the fields will clap their hands.” (NCV)

            I too, clap my hands. I clap my hands in praise and thanksgiving for three little boys who have grown into wonderful husbands and fathers. They are men who love their wives and children.  They have planted their own little “seedlings” of children and trees. Like my seedlings of yesteryear our grandchildren and trees are reaching up…reaching up to the Lord Most High, who they respect and honor which fills my heart with joy.

            Storms come to people and trees alike. Many trees grow strong from fierce winds. In spite of it adversities have shaped their boughs with beauty. Both trees and people are buffeted by problems. Through all the storms of life trees simply send down deeper roots.

So do the people of God. Look at the faces of those older dear saints. Look at their radiance. You will see conquerors because of Jesus.

            Our boys are leading productive lives with children of their own but I still reminisce and see little boys growing up among our trees.

            They recently said, “Mom, Dad, you never can sale this house because it will always be home.”

            The shade from our trees covers our yard swing now and it’s there I find inspiration. It’s a place of cherished memories of children and trees.

            The best tree of all is talked about in Revelation 22.

            “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life…”(Verse 2)

             …“And they will reign for ever and ever.” (Verse 5)