For the church ~ isn’t it often a part of our ministry to help others with their perspective while we remember to adjust our own? Sometimes I need to be reminded …
There was a man who had four sons.
He wanted his sons to learn not to Judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.
The first son went in the Winter, the second in the Spring, the third in Summer and the fourth son in the Fall.
When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent and twisted. The second son said, no it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful; it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.
The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree’s life.
He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all seasons are up.
If you give up when it’s Winter, you will miss the promise of your Spring, the beauty of your Summer and the fulfillment of your Fall.
~ Author Unknown
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
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2 comments
ena
July 11, 2012 at 12:45 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks Pat, I appreciate the encouragement I get from your blog. It is so often for me that I need to be reminded that spring is coming. I am good at reminding others, but not so good with myself. A good reminder to relax and allow God to work. Thanks.
ena recently posted..Transformation
RevPat
July 11, 2012 at 11:12 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I understand what you mean Ena. I often find that the message I am prompted to share is one that I need to hear for myself.
Blessings to you,
Pat