In a
sunlit courtyard, three trees stood side by side, each with a story etched in
their bark. At first glance, they seemed ordinary: a pair of guava trees with
modest foliage, an orange tree that bore no fruit, and a wild thorny tree,
leaning precariously as though unsure of its place. Yet, within this trio of unremarkable
trees lay a lesson waiting to unfold, one of renewal, community, and divine
purpose.
The guava
trees had quietly claimed their space at the courtyard's edge, their branches
once heavy with the promise of fruit. But for years, bats had stolen that joy,
devouring the guavas before they could ripen. When the family returned to their
ancestral home, the guava trees seemed more of a burden than a blessing. Their
overgrown branches cast long shadows, their leaves weary with time. It was
tempting to cut them down, to clear space for something more fruitful, but
instead, they chose mercy—trimming the trees to a humble twelve feet,
preserving a sliver of hope for their future.
The
orange tree stood nearby, barren for years. Its branches reached skyward in
silent defiance as if waiting for a miracle. Despite its unfruitfulness, it was
spared the axe, its mere presence a quiet reminder that sometimes patience, not
productivity, is the greater virtue. Then there was the wild thorny tree,
neither planted nor planned, growing where nature willed. Thorny and unruly, it
offered no shade, no fruit, no apparent purpose. Yet, it stood, defiantly
alive.
Amid
these trees, a new arrival brought an unexpected twist. A few months ago, a
passion fruit plant appeared, unbidden yet full of promise. Its delicate
tendrils reached out, finding their way across the yard, weaving between the
trees and even embracing the situout. Encouraged by its resilience, the family
nurtured it, preparing a place for it to thrive. In time, it began to bear
fruit, its vibrant orbs a testimony to patience and care. The passion for the
fruit at last was being fulfilled through this passion fruit.
The guava
trees, rejuvenated by their pruning, sprouted tender shoots that glistened in
the morning light. Their leaves, once dull, turned a vibrant green, whispering
promises of new life. One day, jungle babblers—fondly known as the "Seven
Sisters"—descended upon the guava trees. Plain in appearance yet lively in
spirit, they turned the trees into bustling hubs of activity. Their chatter
filled the courtyard, a melody of community and resilience.
The birds
transformed the guava trees into more than just plants—they became gathering
places and sanctuaries for rest and play. Inspired by their lively presence,
the family placed a birdbath nearby. While hesitant crows tested its waters,
the smaller birds kept their distance, and the jungle babblers remained content
with the trees, weaving their nests amidst the branches.
As the
days passed, a miracle unfolded. The barren orange tree, long overlooked, began
to bear fruit. Tiny green orbs appeared on its branches as if awakened by the
joyful symphony of the babblers. It was as though the birds' presence breathed
new life into the tree, stirring it to fulfill its purpose. Even the wild
thorny tree played its part, providing a safe perch for birds scouting the
area.
The
babblers, though unassuming, offered lessons in purpose and unity. One morning,
two of them carried coconut coir and twigs to the guava tree, weaving a nest
with meticulous care. Their efforts were a marvel—without blueprints or
guidance, they created a sanctuary for their young. Others stood guard,
chirping encouragement and warding off potential threats. When predators
ventured near, the babblers united in alarm, mobbing the intruders and
protecting their community.
As time
passed, the nest became home to tiny chicks, their faint chirps a testament to
the cycle of life. The babblers’ vigilance intensified, their unity unwavering.
The family watched with awe, their hearts warmed by this display of divine
design. Each bird, each twig, and each chirp seemed to echo a greater truth:
even the smallest lives reflect the Creator’s care.
The guava
trees, once deemed useless, became havens of life and learning. The barren
orange tree found its fruitfulness renewed, and the wild thorny tree stood
tall, offering its strength as a perch for weary wings. And amid it all, the
passion fruit plant—a symbol of unexpected blessings—wove its way through,
uniting the yard in its vibrant embrace. Each tree and plant, in its own way,
fulfilled a purpose it had long seemed to lack.
A Call to Bear Fruit: Embracing Our Purpose
The story
of the guava, orange, wild trees, and passion fruit highlights the importance
of bearing fruit in our lives. Jesus warns that “Every tree that does not bear
good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19), urging us to
live lives that serve others, glorify God, and fulfill our divine purpose. Like
these trees, we are often pruned and shaped by God, not as punishment but to
prepare us for greater fruitfulness.
Jesus
reminds us in John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed
you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” Our calling to
bear lasting fruit is by divine appointment. We are placed in our communities
to serve and make a difference.
This
challenge is clear: to live lives that benefit others, whether by offering
comfort, nourishment, or standing as a symbol of resilience. Let us take
inspiration from the trees, the jungle babblers, and the unexpected passion
fruit plant, embracing unity, service, and fruitfulness. By doing so, we
fulfill God’s plan, becoming instruments of His love, and bearing fruit that
lasts for His glory. Let us commit to being fruitful and purposeful in God’s
kingdom.
You can read my original story below: >>>>>>>
Birds Beyond their name, Blending Communication into their Community, and Defining a Delicate Dynamic!
