A little cypress tree was planted on a knoll along the
coastal shore. Its beauty caught the eye of many
tourists who made a point to stop and view its
shapely form. The tree attracted more and more
admirers and it soon had quite a following. It grew
lovelier with every season. “I must be quite
remarkable,” the tree thought in his heart.
Through the years the howling winds and thundering
waves blew upon the shore, and the rains came in
torrents, contorting its fair form. The broken tree that
had drawn so much admiration no longer stood so
lovely, straight and proud. The storms and winds had
left it naked and ashamed. Its trunk and limbs were
now gnarled and deformed and it was all bent over.
“I am ugly,” said the tree.
“Oh look,” a cry was heard, and all the people gasped
as they looked more closely at the tree. “It is
transformed and is far more beautiful than it ever
was before the storms. It has been tried and it has
overcome. Now it’s strong and rugged. It has
character and strength. Now it makes shade in
which to rest, and it has strong branches in which
the birds can build their nests and children can play.
Its roots have gone down deep into the soil, enabling
it to withstand any future test. It is an example for
all of us, that we too might endure when the storms
of life come our way.
The wretched tests of life that seem to threaten to
undo us and take away our very soul are the precise
tools God uses when He begins to mold us, shape us.
cut away our imperfections and conform us to His
always perfect plan.
(Author Unknown)
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