"31 He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."
-Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV)

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
-Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

There is a man who lives in Germany called the Tree Whisperer. He fantasizes about the life of trees, and he gives them all sorts of personalities. In reality, he’s not that far debased as science has moved on his claims that trees do have character of kinds, and they can even communicate with other trees through an elaborate root and fungi system. Having spent time with the tree man, a journalist once recounted a particular incident that involved a “classroom” of little trees.

As they walked out into a clearing, they were surrounded by smaller trees hiding beneath the more extensive, much older timber’s canopy. The German man told the journalist that the smaller trees don’t need the sunlight, as the older trees provide these seedlings nutrients through the root system. As he spoke, he pointed to an elongated and twisted sapling springing in several directions to “catch the light” that trickled downward. The Tree Whisperer called this particular tree the “class clown.” Instead of being patient and allowing his nutrients to be provided by the more significant trees, he wanted the sunlight now! And due to this rash endeavor of his, the Whisperer noted that the clown would not live long enough to feel the sun’s full warmth.

Do you often feel like the “class clown” at times? I know I do. Instead of trusting the process God instilled into creation, we’ll sometimes race ahead and catch the light our way. Unbeknownst to us, the nutrients we need come from a different source, a source we don’t have to fight to obtain. Patience, understanding, contemplation, and trust are the stuff of trees. A significant lesson God built into creation just for us. When what you desire is significantly higher than you, go back to your roots: God is there nurturing them. Trust in Him, have patience in Him. In time, you’ll be right where He wants you, and you’ll be a healthy tree with many branches.

Heavenly Father,

Help us be patient and wait on You, Lord. Teach us to slow down and feel Your presence sustaining us in all that we need. When the future is enticing, and we cannot wait for it, remind us that the most significant thing we have is right now. Let us live in the moment with You. Amen.