Amber Staehle: Growing Faith - Lessons the Crabapple Tree

Faith Family, 

“I was gifted with an ornamental crabapple tree!!!” That is what I told my husband a little more than 3 years ago. The job that I was leaving was impactful and I had made friends while there; often receiving and giving little gifts. It was no surprise then that I would be coming home with something on this last day. My husband, the gardener, was ready; he had soil, and a spot planned for it and was excited to grow something new. Here’s the thing…it wasn’t exactly treelike (see the picture), it was a twig. Bringing home my tree, my husband thought I was joking, it was just a stick! He really did giggle!  

He still planted it. The game plan changed but it finally found its home on our front lawn. Each year, we both lovingly encouraged our ‘tree’ and hoped for results. As time went on, my husband decided to cover our slowly growing ‘tree’ to protect it from anyone walking through the yard... It was still small and in danger of being trampled.  

This year, something seemed different about the ‘tree’. It looked incredibly healthy, full of leaves and upon touching it, the branches were certainly strong. My husband had always watered and gone above to care for it, so the rainfall only helped relieve his duties this season. He decided to uncage it, though it was still quite small. At least it was obvious and strong enough to take a little trauma. In no time, the tree grew tall. The branches lay out comfortably enjoying the Oklahoma breeze and it is still growing today.  

Where are you on your faith journey? Has it looked a bit like this tree?  

~Hardships cannot be avoided, but that does not make them any less painful; you are meant to be cared for, comforted, and supported. Faith may feel like a ‘twig’ and nothing more in moments like these, but someone sees YOU and someone is willing to pour into YOU, Jesus Christ. To some, starting a faith journey at a low point in life could be laughable. Find your spiritual gardener, the one that will ensure that you are nurtured and led by Christ. There are so many willing to share their love with you in this church!  

~Are you growing a little, but a bit stagnant? You may even protect yourself in the process of rebuilding your life, your faith, your hope. What a great thing to have made it this far, your consistency will form excellent habits, and good spiritual habits will support you in times of joy and grief. Don’t give up! Can I encourage you a bit? Those of us that are stagnant often find ourselves full of worldly worries and accommodating priorities, hence the cage. It takes real effort to include Christ in everything and Jeremiah 17:7-8 says,   

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”   

~Have you uncaged your tree? This growth is unlimited; see how far you can take it! There is something marvelous and beautiful about this part of the journey- giving it all to God. There is no longer a need to worry about the world or even who may trample on you. I hope you are ready to share Christ’s great message because now you have a story to tell and be sure to include the details! Your story of endurance, suffering, hopes, and epiphanies will help the next person to grow; don’t waste it.  

Our Lord and Savior will meet you wherever you are on your journey. He is the most patient and wisest of us all, so include him in the ups and downs of life!  

Blessings,  

Amber Staehle  
Director of Christian Education and Family Life