Why I love trees

I can't really say when it was that I realized that I love trees, I just know I do.  I was driving down Spadina the other day and there was one part where the canopy of trees was so thick overhead I felt like I was driving down a beautiful green tunnel.  I think one reason I love them so much is that they make me feel safe and protected:  they protect from the hot sun, they protect from noise, they even protect from the rush of life because when I'm under them I can't help but stop and enjoy being there.
When I lived in Eston I planted many trees in my yard and everyday during spring and summer I would check to see what kind of growth was happening--it was slow, but there was something inside me that loved to care for and tend to those trees.
One reason that I liked working with them was that I knew that they would be a blessing to someone long after I had left.  I liked the idea of investing in something that I wouldn't necessarily see the fullest blessing but someone who came after me would.  And they would enjoy the blessing without ever having to do anything to make it happen--it would be all a gift to them!  I think that's pretty great.
Of course this makes me think about being a part of the ROA Family--I find myself enjoying being a part of something that had been established long before I came onto the scene.  I contributed nothing to the health and foundation of this Family and yet I get to enjoy the benefits of it none the less. 
But not only this, I now get the opportunity to contribute to this Family so that the things that the Lord establishes through me now will one day be a blessing to someone else who will receive them as a gift as well.
This is, I think, one reason why Jesus establishes His Church and loves it so much--it is an expression of His generous life and the free gifts that He bestows on His children.  He gives to those who don't deserve and He gives gifts that bless and change lives.  His contribution sets the stage for His kids to continue the same kinds of practises: to be a blessing to others; to show, by the example of people's lives, what it means to live sacrificially and with joyfilled hearts for the benefit of someone else.
Ask yourself this question:  "What am I doing now that will be seeds of blessing for those who will come after me?  How am I contributing to the life of ROA that will provide shade for many others in the years to come?  How has the Lord's example motivated me to live with the same kind of sacrificial attitude that will set the stage for others as they are brought into this Family?"
I like trees because they help me to see these kinds of lessons. 
What do you think Jesus would say to you about being a part of His Family?
Take care my friends.
BT