The Cottonwood is by far my favorite tree. And no, it’s not just because it’s the state tree of Kansas; although living in Western Kansas can really make you appreciate trees when you have them. Sometimes I think it’s the strong and mighty core and arms. Maybe it’s the song you hear as the wind rustles through the shimmering leaves. (I could be blind and I would still recognize that sound.) And then there’s the mock snowfall of fluffy seeds that float and fly through the air every summer. Somehow, those tiny seeds with their fluffy white coats often find a way to grow into impressive trees creating families of cottonwoods standing tall and proud together. Going one step further every Fall I’m greeted by the sunshine yellow of Cottonwood’s changing leaves.
One sunny afternoon I was lounging on a blanket by a pond gazing at one of the most enormous Cottonwood trees I’ve ever seen! It was so strong & beautiful. Well, my imagination often runs a bit wild with me when I’m reclining outside on a beautiful day. This day it was about that big Cottonwood tree.
What if the Church was like that Cottonwood tree. Didn’t God intend His church to be strong and mighty, rooted in Christ? Wouldn’t it be beautiful to see the Church seek to be rooted in the truth and love of Christ; just like that Cottonwood was rooted near the pond so it would have a plentiful source of water. And what about the followers of Christ that make up the Church? Shouldn’t they look and sound different, just like those cottonwood leaves? When the winds & storms of life come, followers of Christ should still shout the glory of the Lord! Others should know by what they see and hear that followers of Christ live differently, no matter what situation they are in.
As I watched the tiny white tufts sailing through the air being carried by the wind and water I began to imagine disciples being sent out from the church. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Those followers will go and plant new churches, just like the seeds plant new Cottonwoods. If they are planted near the Source of living water they can grow strong and mighty. Although the purposes and circumstances will change, just as the seasons change the leaves the goal to live well remains.
Sometimes I feel like one of those seeds. I’ve been sent out, but I can’t always see the map; I don’t know the twists and turns the wind and water will bring. I might land somewhere just to be caught up in the wind of His purpose again. What I do know is the good purpose of the One who sent me & His promise “I am with you always.”
The sad part is that the Cottonwood sometimes rots from the inside out. There are even certain beetles known as Cottonwood borers that often eat and live in/on the Cottonwood that cause destruction. Sadly, the Church can also rot and be invaded. Yet, there is hope. Like the Cottonwood develops a strong bark to protect itself, God has given us the armor that we might be protected as well. If we suit up with the armor of God we may be strong and ready to fight the battles guaranteed to come our way.
It’s fall now and the Cottonwoods are sporting their bright yellow coats seeming to shout the beauty of their Creator. When I see them I still stop think about the Church and how beautiful it is when it is rooted and established in Christ!
