God's Purpose In Things
One day a woodcutter took his grandson into the forest for his first
experience in selecting and cutting oak trees. These they would later sell
to the boat builders. As they walked along, the woodcutter explained that
the purpose of each tree is contained in its natural shape: some are
straight for planks, some have the proper curves for the ribs of a boat, and
some are tall for masts. The woodcutter told his grandson that by paying
attention to the details of each tree, and with experience in recognizing
these characteristics, someday he too might become the woodcutter of the
forest.
A little way into the forest, the grandson saw an old oak tree that had
never been cut. The boy asked his grandfather if he could cut it down
because it was useless for boat building - there were no straight limbs, the
trunk was, short and gnarled, and the curves were going the wrong way. "We
could cut it down for firewood," the grandson said. "At least then it will
be of some use to us." The woodcutter replied that for now they should be
about their work cutting the proper trees for the boat
builders; maybe later they could return to the old oak tree.
After a few hours of cutting the huge trees, the grandson grew tired and
asked if they could stop for a rest in some cool shade. The woodcutter took
his grandson over to the old oak tree, where they rested against its trunk
in the cool shade beneath its twisted limbs. After they had rested a while,
the woodcutter explained to his grandson the necessity of attentive
awareness and recognition of everything in the forest and in the world. Some
things are readily apparent, like the tall, straight trees; other things are
less apparent, requiring closer attention, like recognition of the proper
curves in the limbs. And some things might initially appear to have no
purpose at all, like the gnarled old oak tree. The woodcutter stated, "You
must learn to pay careful attention every day so you can recognize and
discover the purpose God has for everything in creation. For it is this old
oak tree, which you so quickly deemed useless except for firewood, that now
allows us to rest against its trunk amidst the coolness of its shade.
"Remember, grandson, not everything is as it first appears. Be patient, pay
attention, recognize, and discover."
[ Author Unknown -- from 'E-Mail Ministry' (EMailMinistry@yahoogroups.com) ]
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