As I look to my right, I realize I am sitting beside a grand oak. Majestic and sweeping branches larger than a man curl and swoop out from its trunk in what seems like an eternity. Its shade extended far beyond its borders as the setting sun caused the shadow to reach to the horizon. Scattered on the ground was a myriad of acorns. Some crushed by the frequent traffic of those wishing to contemplate existence under its shade. Some in various levels of decay, and other were newly fallen. I looked to the branches, and contemplated the path of the acorn.
Firmly attached to its branch and receiving all its need from tree. Protected by the strength of its connection and harbored from the effects of the world outside the oaks grand reach. I began to wonder about my own life, and the journey I had been traveling.
Looking to one of the branches, I see an acorn swaying with the breeze firm in its connection the the tree, sure in the meeting of all its needs, and comforted by the attachment to its branch. Suddenly the acorn falls to the ground and rests not far from my feet. I thought – I have been “here” before, ripped away from all I have ever known, tumbling, spiraling, plummeting to the unknown only to hit an abrupt wall. I have been bounced around only to come to rest in a place far removed from the security and sustenance of what had been my identity… until now.
Nothing seemed familiar.
The cold, wet ground was a stark contrast to where I had been. I was unable to see beyond the obstacles that seemed to surround me on every side. Why am I here? What has brought me to this place? Why can I not go back to where I was secure? Yet deep inside I knew there was reason. Fear knocked on my door, but a peace that I could not explain helped me to slam the door shut. I knew I had been set apart. I Am set apart for you.
Romans 8:18-19 – For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
How beautifully said. Your words are elegant and regal at the same time!! As you have honored let you so be honored!!!!✨✨
It is indeed quite startling. The fall from the security of connection and the perspective so easily understood from the up here that has always been home. The release, the plummet that introduces the new perspective found from the ground. It is different there-no connection is easily understood. Things are different-I’m so small, all around me seems so tall. I remember looking at the life below and all around at the life easily seen from up here…I suppose today I find new perspective from the ground. I don’t know what is and I don’t know what will be but I do know who I am-I am of the tree. Knowing who I am sets me free…so even though I am nestled in dirt and seemingly lowly I know that I know that I know that I am of the tree and that is enough for me. That knowing is enough to awaken my vision to see what I will learn from here that I am intended to see. Maybe there are lessons and connections in this new place…
Holly, Yes! I agree. To me it is a matter of perspective. I can see being ripped away from all I have ever known and feel that the fall to the ground was the falling to a LOW place. With a change of perspective, I can also see that the deeper I go, the higher I rise, as Pastor Parker says. Instead of the apparent “death and destruction” as others may see, I see a NEW dimension of being! And with this… New connections and lessons!