Staring out my car window, parked next to my house, I noticed the two bushes that were planted as a mere covering for the eye sore that is our ac unit. The one thing that’s always caught my attention since moving in close to a year ago is how one of the bushes is completely dead, and the other is full of life and green as can be. Both bushes receive the same amount of sunlight day after day and both are on fertile soil. Yet the one on the left remains dead and void of any life.
So why am I writing about my two bushes that remain as a covering for the eye sore that is our ancient ac unit? Glad you asked. As I was sitting in my car staring at them God spoke to me “choose this day what tree you will eat from, the tree of life or the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?” And my answer was a no brainer when looking at the contrast between the bush that was brown and ugly and void any life, and the bush that was green and vibrant and it’s leaves reaching to the sky in full splendor. I choose life.
I want this life. The fullness of life found in Jesus Christ. The life that is always full of life and beautiful and reaching evermore for the light. I’m amazed at how God offers us His simple truths hidden in plain view every day of our lives. If only we can stop a second and think on Him and quiet our hearts to hear what He might say we might be amazed. I know I was today.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Further reading:
Genesis 2:9
“And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
Proverbs 11:30
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.”
Revelation 2:7
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”
15 Comments
Wow, these are some great words of encouragement my friend. Thank you for sharing your heart, this is a great reminder for me to make sure my attitude and choices are in check.
Blessings,
S
Thanks to Calvin (@mayhemstudios) sharing in a tweet, we are reading this thought from a seed that is from the heart of God. Saturated in the awesome fact that God is Love, God Is Good, God Is One. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Be Blessed always…Peace!
Great post Kyle. I’ve been in a similar mind frame lately. So many choices in front of us at any given moment and so few of them lead to the life you’re talking about.
Will be linking to this from my latest post which is on a similar topic.
-Mike
That’s incredible, Kyle. I love that someone can see those bushes and think nothing of it, yet God used it to speak something significant into you life. Thanks for sharing.
@Stephen – I’m glad this was able to give you some encouragement
@Jim – Thanks for visiting. I love finding new blogs via twitter
@Penitentman – Thanks for the link love over on your site. I’m excited about learning to live a life more full every day.
@Caleb – God is amazing bro. I’ve looked at the bush countless times in passing but not until today did Jesus decide to speak to me about it.
Very very nice, Somedays we all need to remember. Thanks for sharing your heart!
Very beautifully written. I admire both your writing and design in faith. You show a lot of humility and a good grasp on what Christianity is about. I wish more Christian designers can be like you.
@DeAndrea – I’ve found that on those days were I come to the end of my self and silence myself is when I hear God clearly. Blessings.
@Jin – Thank you for the compliments. God truly is amazing and I’m glad to share it with all who listen, or in this case read.
The tree in front of my parents’ house died while I was away at college, and this Thanksgiving break I came home to a pile of wood chips where it used to stand. One of my friends died too young this summer, and I know that God had been trying to speak into my heart through the tragedy. I don’t always know if I trust God enough with the things and people that I love and value, I don’t always know what my faith should look like in thin places. But if my life produces fruit, then I know my heart is at least close to being in the right place.
Great insightful post Kyle. It’s great to see some Christian insight in the design blogosphere, just like some of the recent articles from another designer/blogger, Doug Cloud.
I too am currently setting up another blog dedicated to Christian design, I’ll let you know when i start to write on it (as you’ve guessed, I’m a Christian too, lol).
great post. it is indeed wonderful what we find when we just take the time out and look at what surrounds us. it’s truly a beautiful world…even down to the most minute of detail.
thanks for sharing!
kenroy
Quite a religious tale and it works well for this time of year. Thanks for posting.
@kenroy – thanks for your comment.
@Stephen – I’m glad they were able to encourage you.
@Andrew – Thanks so much for your comments. I look forward to checking out your new blog. It is great to meet other designers who share the same love for the Creator of the universe as I do.