The Joshua Tree

A few years ago our friend purchased a lot of little “stub” trees for his farm. He used what he could and asked us if we wanted the few he had remaining. We planted, watered, fed, and mulched them just like we were supposed to do, and a year later they had doubled in size. Two years later, all of them seemed to nearly double in size again, except for one. While the majority of them were green with large lush needles, one little tree was weak, spindly, and turning brown. Its trunk was bent from the weight of the few lowly little needles that desperately clung to its branches. “I ought to pull that tree,” Brian said, “It’s obviously not going to make it.” But, as with many momentary thoughts that we both have on any given day, he didn't get around to plucking it from its spot.

Lindsay, who I’m guessing was probably 14 at the time, noticed the weak tree a few days after Brian had, and she took pity on it. She faithfully tended it, day in and day out. I watched her through the kitchen window numerous times as she would kneel next to it, pull every weed away from its base, loosen the dirt around it, and slowly water it from a bucket. After she finished her tasks, she would sit quietly for a moment, just looking at it. The other trees did not get this special treatment, only that little runt.

This went on for the duration of the summer, and one day after completing her ritual, she came inside and told me she had named her tree “Joshua.” She also told me she was praying over that little tree, asking God to strengthen and preserve it. I realized this was what she did when she sat looking at it. She had a strong will for that tree to not only live, but to thrive, and she never failed to give attention to it. By fall, its needles were dark green, and its trunk was noticeably stronger. Brian and I were amazed, but Lindsay wasn't surprised. God was watching over her Joshua Tree.

This past weekend, Brian was outside enjoying the sunshine and took a short walk through the trees in our side yard. When he came inside he asked if I had looked at Lindsay’s tree recently. I walked to the kitchen window, and was immediately struck by the height of the Joshua Tree. I had "seen" it almost daily, but I guess I had not really "noticed" it. It was taller than those surrounding it, its branches stretched out farther than the rest, and its trunk was thicker and stronger than the others!


I have thought on that tree and its impact on my daughter's life a lot this week. You see, the day after Brian pointed out the difference in the Joshua Tree, she came to me with a heavy burden. She was struggling with things that were overwhelming to her.  I reminded her of the power of prayer, and encouraged her to pray over her situation. When that didn't seem to alleviate her doubts, I asked her if she had looked at her Joshua Tree lately. She gave me a puzzled look. As I reminded her of the story, she smiled and said “I had completely forgotten about that!” I explained to her that if God cared enough to answer her prayers over a little runt tree, she should know that He cares about her big problems too. Her eyes brightened as she turned to hug me, and she left the room a little lighter.

God speaks to us in so many ways, using every-day things that surround us to relay his messages. Are we taking time to look and listen? God cares for us to the depth that none of us can truly comprehend. Are we placing our burdens upon Him and asking Him for direction? The scripture says "...your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:8 KJV) I have no doubt that the Lord knew of Lindsay's heartache before she ever came to talk to me, just as I have no doubt He had given Brian and me the gift of truly seeing that Joshua Tree specifically for that moment that we encountered the following day.

If the Lord wills it, the Joshua Tree will continue to grow in our side yard for many years to come, and I am certain that when Lindsay begins to doubt her faith, He can and will use that Joshua Tree to nurture her, comfort her, and build her up...in much the same way she helped it.