Not too long ago I was reminded about the classic children's book "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. During the course of the story, the tree continues to lovingly give to the boy no matter what the personal cost. With each sacrifice, the tree is happy to give. In the final scene, the boy, now an old man, simply needs a place to sit and rest. The tree is now only a stump, but joyfully offers himself as a seat. And the tree was happy.
There have been a number of opinions as to the message of this story - everything from a parent/child relationship to some kind of sadomasochistic relationship. I remember hearing author Brennan Manning, who had a friendship with Silverstein, mention that he equated it with the unconditional love of God. I find that to be a powerful way of reading it.
I've been thinking about how generous I am with the things God has gifted to me. Most of us tend to focus on our limited resources and cautiously share from a scarcity viewpoint. But there is something that all of us possess in an unlimited supply: the love and hope that comes from God! Am I being overly cautious and stingy in sharing this abundant gift with others?
I hope you'll join us this coming Sunday, September 29th, as we continue our series on Reckless Faith by focusing on "Reckless Sowing". If you'd like to get a head start on the topic, you can read Luke 8:4-15.
There have been a number of opinions as to the message of this story - everything from a parent/child relationship to some kind of sadomasochistic relationship. I remember hearing author Brennan Manning, who had a friendship with Silverstein, mention that he equated it with the unconditional love of God. I find that to be a powerful way of reading it.
I've been thinking about how generous I am with the things God has gifted to me. Most of us tend to focus on our limited resources and cautiously share from a scarcity viewpoint. But there is something that all of us possess in an unlimited supply: the love and hope that comes from God! Am I being overly cautious and stingy in sharing this abundant gift with others?
I hope you'll join us this coming Sunday, September 29th, as we continue our series on Reckless Faith by focusing on "Reckless Sowing". If you'd like to get a head start on the topic, you can read Luke 8:4-15.
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