We have now lived in our home for over a decade. Hard to believe how quickly life can pass by, but alas, here we are.
From the moment we moved into our house, the kids(not just our own either) have been drawn to the sprawling branches of this tree. Sadly, this week we decided it was time for it to come down. It has been dying slowly over the last couple of years. Covering our driveway in a blanket of needles, and dripping stubborn sap all over our vehicles.
To many this is just another tree being cut down. We will replace it with a newer, much younger tree, and it will increase our curb appeal, but to us it’s more.
Since moving into this home we have removed, trimmed and pruned many trees, and like the others this tree will come down. We will remember watching the kids play for hours. Seeing how high they could climb. Building tree forts and trying to convince us to let them sleep in the tree. I can only imagine the secrets that have been shared among friends in that tree.
All good memories aside, the tree is no longer producing life and if left much longer will become a hazard.
This tree reminds me of many things in my life that were once beautiful and healthy, but have since started to wither and die. Yes, I can ignore them, as we’ve done with this tree, but if left where they stand they become harmful. Making a decision to remove something from your life before it gets to that point does not negate the beauty it once brought, but makes room for new life.
I’m reminded of John 15:2
He breaks off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it will be clean and bear more fruit.(GNT)
I want to be a Christian that bears fruit, so sometimes that means there will have to be some pruning, and sometimes some pretty drastic changes.
During moments of change, there is often a significant amount of pain and self doubt. On the other side of that change, most times we can truly say it was worth it, and in all cases there is something significant to learn, even if we can’t see it in the moment.
So yeah, it will be sad to see it go, but we choose to remember the fun that was had, and will be free from sap covered, pine needle filled cars.
Change and sometimes moving on is a good thing.
Embracing the change!
Jason
Great reads/listens:
- Carey Nieuwhof (this is just gonna be a permalink)
- Flip flops series at Moncton Wesleyan(Brent Ingersoll spoke this week)
- Steven Furtick’s Death to Selfie series.
Jason Gallant 