Encouragement Page
19 June 2005

Once there were two men competing with each other on tree planting. One watered his saplings daily and the growth of the trees was much faster and greener than the other man who would only water when he noticed that the leaves were withering. Many years later, both plots of land had beautiful fully grown trees. One day, a very strong wind blew across the land. Many trees from the plot that was watered daily when young fell while that of the other plot stood tall. What happened? When the trees were dug out for investigation it was found that the trees that had less water when young had very deep strong roots. The planter explained that he intentionally watered the saplings sparsely as he wanted the roots to grow deep down in search of water. These roots eventually became the main support for the trees. If the saplings were watered daily there was no necessity for them to search deeper so their roots massed at the surface of the ground and not deep down which will eventually serve as a strong anchor for support. 

When eagles make their nests, they lay the foundation with very thick rough branches which are overlaid with finer twigs followed by a final top layer of soft dried grass.  When the eaglets are growing their parents will remove the nest layer by layer until the young birds feel the rough branches hurting their young tender skin. They would have no choice but to fly off. The sound of the flipping wings is delightful, assuring music to their parents. They have become strong enough to be independent. 

What lessons can we learn from the tree planters and the eagles? Both were taking care of the young and that in order to produce stronger adulthood, there need be some discomfort and struggles. This will build up the determination and encourage sturdy growth. Take note that the planter would observe to water his plants when he saw that their leaves were withering. The parent eagles would be near by when their young first stretched their wings. In similar fashion, the Lord also taught us to raise children. We have read these verses so many times that we take them for granted. What are these?  “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes” (Prov 13:24). “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying” (Prov 19:18).  “A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again” (Prov 19:19). Read also Proverbs 22:15, 23:15.  While we teach our earthly children God also teaches us for we are His children. Be thankful unto God for He gives us the honour to be called His children.  “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him” (Psalm 103:13). 

He may allow us to dwell in difficult times for a season. Sometimes our burdens seem unbearable. Immediately we question “Why me?”, “Why at this time?”, “Can I make it?” Does God really know how much we suffer? Yes, He does and would intervene just at the right time (remember, He is there all the time). It is always for a purpose which may be oblivious to us till we get through the crisis. We may never even know as to why certain things happened till we get to heaven. One thing for sure is that for whatever the reason, God will not forsake us.  “…Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail” (Psalm 89:33). He is observing near us and would not neglect us. How assuring are these words. 

We are different from animals as we are created with a mind for reasoning and learning. Humans progress because we are able to leverage on lessons learnt through history. While others learn from us, we can also observe and learn from others as well as from our own past experiences. Such is the beauty of God’s creation. So, the next time, before you ask God all these questions, remember that for every phase of our lives, God has a plan for us. Pray that we will accept and learn from all situations and predicaments. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28). Knowing this, with humility we echo “Teach me thy way, O LORD”.

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