Beautiful but Weak

Though part of me feels bad for those who have allergies, I have to admit, spring is my favorite time of year. The baby animals, nesting birds, egg laying ducks, flowering trees, frog eggs, the birds' morning chorus... each is a reminder that spring is here... that life is stirring. There's growth, change, and birth everywhere.

Bagworm moth cocoon

Each year I look forward to the first blossoms of spring. In our area, the most common early flowering tree is the Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana). Snowy white blossoms engulf the tree in spring and these tall bouquets embellish many driveways and yards. The trees grow quickly, are disease resistant, and are able to adapt to a variety of growing conditions. The small fruit of the tree is not poisonous, though they don't taste all that great. However, the seeds are considered mildly poisonous if ingested in large quantities. Despite some of the seemingly positive qualities, the Bradford pear trees are structurally weak, have shallow roots and tend to break in strong winds.

Though there are many lessons that can be learned from trees, to me this tree is a beautiful yet sobering reminder that outward appearances are not what really matter; what matters is the depth and strength of our character which can only come from being deeply rooted in God. When the storms of life come, will we stand tall and strong or will we break and fall?

"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through His spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is." Ephesians 3:16-18

Fruit of the Bradford pear (picture taken in the fall)