THE ICY GNARLY ELM

 

The icy, gnarly elm alone

in the dell, just beyond the spruces,
has taken on to moan and groan
and wonder of her uses,
to worry in the winter scene
where none but harshness grows—
and the cold wind blows.
 
Yet even so, the elm stands firm,
though the weighted ice is building.
And there lies at core a diseasing worm
as the branches soon are breaking.
Forbidding is the winter scene
in which all things are made weak—
where the plight looks bleak.
 
But there is remembrance of who one is,
as the sun shines on and sparkles.
Even through the strain and brittleness,
there is reason yet for marvels.
Hostile may the winter scene become
and the stressful toll long—
but her trust is strong.
 
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

THE ICY GNARLY ELM

Winter is established here in the woodland. Only evergreens provide a dash of green color against the white backdrop of land and sky. Ice and snow covers the branches of maple, beech and old gnarly elm trees. Veery Glade is locked in the grips of winter.

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.
Ephesians 4:1-2
 
We are called to bear one another in love. Showing kindness is part of that easy yoke and light burden we accept as followers of Christ. But sometimes, that’s tough to do. Actually, usually that’s tough to do! It can take a lot of patience to show kindness to others. Prayer is that vehicle to help enable us.
 
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
 
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
 
As an elm tree holds up in the winter landscape waiting for the arrival of spring, so we endure. We wait for help in our need, for sustenance, for Jesus to return. Commit to prayer during this ministry of reconciliation. Ask for help to show kindness to others. We know the Bible tells us that maintained confidence in the Lord will be richly rewarded.
 
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:8-9
 
The Bible also tells us that we reap what we sow so sow to the Spirit. A reaping of corruption approaches for those who do not. God’s wrath is coming, as the clock (which He made) ticks. There will be an end time when God will have His vengeance and destroy His enemies. It’s when He will no longer have patience. It’s when He will not show kindness. We read it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.
 
So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.
Judges 5:31
 
Deborah, a prophetess who led Israel, sang the above words at the end of her song as recorded in Judges chapter 5. She had led the army to victory despite Barak second guessing God’s authority. (And because of that, God told Deborah to tell Barak the honor of Sisera’s fall would go to Jael, a woman.) Deborah obeyed God, acknowledging His might and goodness shining bright as the sun on those who love Him. She knew the LORD’s enemies would perish.
 
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Hebrews 9:27-28
 
Peace is what Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gives. It’s the kind of peace we have to the last breath when we commit our spirit into the hands of the Living God. With a sound mind fixed on the Author of our faith, rest comes, now and in eternity. Jesus Christ covers our sin by His death on the cross. Redeemed and safe from the wrath, we enter into eternal life and gain all the precious promises God has outlined in His Word.
 
Ask God to show how we can be kind to others, even to family members that hate us. Pray for better ears to hear that difficult friend. Ask for opportunities to show kindness to help an ongoing strained relationship begin to heal and move towards reconciliation. Pray for a quietness to tame an over-talkative mouth. Pray for wisdom. Pray that we can be beacons of hope to others in depression. Ask that we can be the best moons possible, reflecting God’s Son-light into the dark places on the earth. God is able! So pray it, earnestly.
 
And the children of Israel remembered not the LORD their God,
who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on
every side: neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal,
namely, Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shewed
unto Israel.
Judges 8:34-35
 
Remember God’s merciful kindness to us.
Be kind to yourself and others,
not letting it be recorded in His book
that there was no show of kindness.