The Tree

He is like a tree planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

— Psalm 1:3 (ESV)

Let me tell you a story.

There is a tree, much like the tree in this Psalm, which has been growing beside a nourishing stream for many years. It is tall and strong, an example many other trees look up to, and a home and fortress to many woodland creatures.

Every autumn, this tree sheds its leaves. In recent years, some of its branches have stretched far over the stream, and the leaves it sheds have been falling into the small channel, choking it. Not all of the leaves get washed away each year, and over time the waters in the stream trickled down to a halt. The stream no longer flows past the tree, having overflowed the banks and cut a new path in a different direction, and without the water and the minerals it carries, the tree has withered and has slowly begun to die. It is no longer growing, nor does it bear fruit or leaves. Yet even a dead tree remains for a long time, particularly a tree as hardy, as solidly rooted, and as sturdy as this tree. Most of the other trees in the forest don't realize the tree is dying, and continue to look up to it and be inspired by the example it sets. The woodland creatures still find shelter in its strong branches and in the shade of its powerful trunk.

Right now the tree is dormant, as most trees are in winter time — it's neither growing nor producing, but is still alive. However, if the stream is not soon allowed to clear itself of the debris, the tree will die and begin to weaken and rot. I know this tree personally, and have spoken with it many times on this exact subject. The tree is very thirsty, but is unwilling to stop shedding its leaves into the stream.

Please pray for my friend the tree.

Out of respect for the tree's privacy, I don't want to use its real name; if you know or think you know this person, please also respect their privacy and avoid using names in any comments you might leave.