The Tale of Three Trees

A dear friend once shared w/ me: "What a blessing it is when God allows our children to share with us what He tries to teach us all along...."

I recently co-directed a play (children's musical) called The Tale of Three Trees. The traditional story of three trees - each w/ a big dream - & God w/ an even bigger plan. Long story short....Tree #1 dreamed of becoming a Treasure Chest - became a feed box for animals - ultimately held the greatest treasure of all...Baby Jesus -- The Savior which is Christ The LORD! Tree #2 dreamed of becoming a mighty ship worthy to carry a powerful king - became a smelly fishing boat - ultimately carried Jesus, whom even the wind & water obeyed! - & then realized God had chosen him to carry the Most Powerful King of All! Tree #3 just wanted to stay on the hilltop & point people toward God - but was chopped down & thrown in a dark corner of a lumberyard - in the "end" became the cross where Jesus sacrificed Himself for our sins -- & will forever do just what she dreamed of doing -- but in a much different way than she ever imagined.

What I loved about it ....

- The salvation msg was shared in a creative way that created a prime opportunity for someone (our Pastor seized it beautifully) to share more along that line w/ those whose hearts had been tenderized in a way that it seems at times, only children can do.

John 3: 16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

- It offers encouragement to those experiencing a time/place where they just "can't see the forest for the trees" - reminding them that God is in control & has a plan for them.

Jer 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

- Adults & children worked together, each doing their part - no matter how big or small - toward the common goal of glorifying God in song/lines (spoken word) & deed (ability) -- ministry!

Is 61:3b They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor.

- Relationships happened ....you can't work w/ 15 kids & several parents for 2+ months on something as involved as a play & not get to know each other better.

- Leadership was shared three ways - 1) Music 2) Administration - 3) One woman worked specifically/beautifully(!) w/ our special needs children

- The catchy songs/lyrics - even a rap song - some simply fun & others, powerful -- all woven together & bound to remain in our hearts & minds - likely to surface just when we need to be encouraged/reminded that God is in control! (Election Day eve?! :)