Words of Light and Hope from Tony Hawes

Words of Light and Hope from Tony Hawes.
Three Trees – Part 1.
Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what
they wanted to become when they grew up. The first little tree looked up to
the stars and said, “I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold
and precious stones. I’ll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!”
The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on its way
to the ocean. “I want to be travelling mighty waters and carrying powerful
kings. I’ll be the strongest ship in the world!” The third little tree looked
down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy
town. “I don’t want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall
that when people stop to look at me, they’’ll raise their eyes to heaven and
think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world!” Years passed. The rain
came, the sun shone, and the little trees grew tall. One day three woodcutters climbed the mountain. The first woodcutter looked at the first tree and
said, “This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me.” With a swoop of his shining
axe, the first tree fell. “Now I shall be made into a beautiful chest, I shall
hold wonderful treasure!” the first tree said. The second woodcutter looked
at the next tree and said, “This tree is strong. It is perfect for me. With a
swoop of his shining axe, the second tree fell. “Now I shall sail mighty waters. I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!” thought the second tree. The
third tree felt her heart sink when the last woodcutter looked her way. She
stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. “Any tree will do for
me,” he muttered. With a swoop of his shining axe, the third tree fell……
(To be continued.)

Jesus the Master Carpenter, who, through wood and nails
purchased our whole salvation – use well your tools in this
workshop of yours, that we, who come rough-hewn,
may here be fashioned to a truer beauty, by your hand. Amen.