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- Feb 9, 2004
- Messages
- 17,081
Standing By - January 16, 2007
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encouragewith great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2 Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 2 Timothy 1:3 (NLT)
We were in the midst of a glorious sight. Surrounding us were massive boulders and giant flat-top granite rocks, sparkling in the sunlight. Elegant aspens swayed and fluttered in the pale breeze. Massive evergreens and pines towered around us.
Near the cascade area, where a waterfall had carved out rock like fine sculpture, I noticed this baby aspen tree. Even tiny they are easy to pick out. Aspens are so beautiful, with their birch-like white trunks, and delicate heart-shaped leaves.
It was standing all alone. I thought, hmmm, mostly I've seen them in groves, not singly, when we are here. Then I saw a taller aspen, yet still young.
A pine stood just behind it. It appeared as if the larger tree not only was backing the small tree, but also its boughs came around the sides of the younger tree, as if to steady and support it.
On the path back to the parking place, I spotted one more aspen that was not fully grown either, yet taller than the one with the pine tree behind it. It was standing all by itself on the edge of the trail, leaning out into the open trail area. Aha. This one could now stand alone, and even begin to reach out of the glade, and into the path.
I thought of how important it is to have something standing by us as we grow. We don't turn babies loose while they are learning to walk,. We don't ususally let toddlers run unless we are with them. We stand by them, sometimes from behind the scenes, sometimes holding their hands, until they can fully stand on their own.
Jesus discipled the people who followed Him. We have a responsibility to disciple others in our family of believers. Mentoring, if you will. The "older" in the faith helping the "younger".
I am thankful for those who have stood by me, helped me to grow in my Christian faith. Sunday School teachers, grandparents, many wonderful people who have come alongside me.
And still today, I am blessed to have mentors who, fortunately for me, are willing to stand by me and help me grow. Wondering, who am I standing by today? If I'm willing, no doubt the Lord will bring someone across my path.
Contributed by Sally I. Kennedy: [email protected] Sally is the author of "52 Little Parables from Ireland" Creation House Press.
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encouragewith great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2 Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 2 Timothy 1:3 (NLT)
We were in the midst of a glorious sight. Surrounding us were massive boulders and giant flat-top granite rocks, sparkling in the sunlight. Elegant aspens swayed and fluttered in the pale breeze. Massive evergreens and pines towered around us.
Near the cascade area, where a waterfall had carved out rock like fine sculpture, I noticed this baby aspen tree. Even tiny they are easy to pick out. Aspens are so beautiful, with their birch-like white trunks, and delicate heart-shaped leaves.
It was standing all alone. I thought, hmmm, mostly I've seen them in groves, not singly, when we are here. Then I saw a taller aspen, yet still young.
A pine stood just behind it. It appeared as if the larger tree not only was backing the small tree, but also its boughs came around the sides of the younger tree, as if to steady and support it.
On the path back to the parking place, I spotted one more aspen that was not fully grown either, yet taller than the one with the pine tree behind it. It was standing all by itself on the edge of the trail, leaning out into the open trail area. Aha. This one could now stand alone, and even begin to reach out of the glade, and into the path.
I thought of how important it is to have something standing by us as we grow. We don't turn babies loose while they are learning to walk,. We don't ususally let toddlers run unless we are with them. We stand by them, sometimes from behind the scenes, sometimes holding their hands, until they can fully stand on their own.
Jesus discipled the people who followed Him. We have a responsibility to disciple others in our family of believers. Mentoring, if you will. The "older" in the faith helping the "younger".
I am thankful for those who have stood by me, helped me to grow in my Christian faith. Sunday School teachers, grandparents, many wonderful people who have come alongside me.
And still today, I am blessed to have mentors who, fortunately for me, are willing to stand by me and help me grow. Wondering, who am I standing by today? If I'm willing, no doubt the Lord will bring someone across my path.
Contributed by Sally I. Kennedy: [email protected] Sally is the author of "52 Little Parables from Ireland" Creation House Press.
