A gift that lasts
Last spring (in 2024), a dear friend gifted me with a cherry tree for a wedding present. My friend wanted us to have a something special and unique–a gift that lasts.
With consistent care, we kept the tree alive throughout the hot summer and cold winter. This year, at the first of March, we planted her. She’s rewarded us with new tiny leaves and a bloom or two.
A gift that lasts
A tree, if cared for properly is a gift that lasts. Of course, a tree doesn’t live forever, but they typically have a long lifespan and offer us valuable service during their lifetime.
Trees give us…
- Fresh air to breathe. Trees take in Carbon dioxide give us back Oxygen that we need to live.
- Fruits and nuts–healthy foods to eat.
- Beauty–lovely blooms in Spring, fullness of green and shade in the Summer, and an amazing show of color in Autumn.
And, of course, trees build houses and provide firewood, but this requires the sacrifice of their lives to provide those gifts.
A gift which lasts forever.
Even with the best of care, a tree doesn’t live forever. But we have the opportunity to receive a gift that lasts forever.
The gift of salvation is forever.
Jesus freely went to the cross for us. Through His willing sacrifice, we are given the blessing of eternal live. All we need is to believe.
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5)
God created our planet and all that lives and dwells on it (including trees), but we humans are His special creation. He loves us so much He sent Jesus to Earth to save us from the “sting” of death. When our trees die, they may serve another purpose as part of a structure, but they are no longer living, breathing plants. But when our last earthly breath is taken, we who are believers join our Lord and Savior in heaven for eternity.
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:55-56)
Easter will soon be here and we will mourn the sacrifice Jesus made for us as we examine our unworthiness of His gift of Life. Then we rejoice in the celebration of His resurrection from the grave. Death does not win the victory.
But while we are here, can we be like trees, sharing beauty, self-less giving, and joy with others?
Winky, this is awesome. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, dear friend. The tree is lovely! It’s a gift that lasts–just like friendship.
So many things we count on are just temporary. Praise God for his everlasting-ness!
I agree, Priscilla. Most of what we worry over is temporary. But what we have with our Lord is forever. We are so blessed! Hope you have a wonderful week.
Amen. I pray the light of Christ will shine through in every moment. Have a blessed week! 🙂
I join you in your prayer, Melissa. Thank you for sharing. Wishing you joy, peace, and much happiness (especially with your sweet grandchildren).
Lord, help me, like trees, share “beauty, self-less giving, and joy with others.”
Me, too, Diana! Thanks you.
A beautiful Easter message we all need to hear. Blessings, Katherine!
Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter, Barbara. Thank you for kind encouragement.
A gift that lasts forever … I loved the tree metaphor and thank God that Jesus shares the gift that lasts forever.
I join you in thanksgiving, Jim. We are so blessed!
Your post reminds me of a favorite children’s book — “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. It’s a story of friendship between a boy and a tree. It’s such a touching story. And this is a touching post!
I remember that book, Candyce, although I’ve forgotten the details. Thank you for sharing. Peace and blessings.
What a meaningful gift and great reminder of the gift of salvation that lasts! Amen!
Thank you, Mary. It’s the perfect gift for me–the farm-girl. I love trees, flowers, working in the yard and garden. So…my friend shared the ideal present. We are so blessed with the gift of salvation. Take care, my friend, and best wishes for your newest book.
Reading your post I thought about how Jesus became a curse for us on a tree. The mystery of Jesus turning an implement for death into a symbol of eternal life. Such good news to those who receive it!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mary. The tree from which the cross was made became “an implement for death into a symbol of eternal life.” We are so blessed by His gift of love. Thank you, Mary.
I don’t have a green thumb but someone gave us an indoor ficus tree when are daughter was born 38 years ago. I love it. But you are right that even it is temporary no matter how well I care for it. Thanks for the lovely message Katherine
Yvonne, I have a Norfolk Island Pine tree in a large pot that I’ve nursed along for years. But you are right, it is temporary, no matter how I protect it in the winter and summer extremes, it will die someday. I’m so thankful that we have the gift that lasts forever, the gift of salvation through His love.
What a lovely gift! I love the way you tied it into the gift that lasts forever! Thank you for a post with such a wonderful message.
Thank you, Sylvia. So far our tree is doing great, but even if/when the tree dies, I’ll still remember the love my friend has for me in sharing the lovely and thoughtful gift of a tree. And we who are washed in the love and blood of our Savior will remember God’s love for us in sending Jesus to save us.