A message of Easter trees and new life

A favorite scenic view of my wife and mine is as we crest the sand hills near Cowley. There, we can see our whole town. From that vantage point, you can see all of the trees working together to make life better for those who live there. After seeing a few miles of nothing but sand and sagebrush between Byron and Cowley, those trees provide a vista of a large green patch of beauty and life. That is true except for this time of year.

A few years ago, while coming home from a state basketball tournament, my wife and I were entering Wind River Canyon. We passed that little park on the south side. My wife, thinking aloud, asked if those trees were really going to be green in the summer.  All of the trees seemed so barren.

The thought came to me, “What if, right now, we decided to cut down all of the trees that appear dead?” Now, that thought would never seriously cross a person’s mind who has witnessed a winter and then a spring. We know by experience that most of the trees are still alive; they are just dormant. We recognize that trees just need a little warmth and longer days to bring them out of their slumber.

Just as spring brings renewed life to dormant trees, the Easter Story and all that it entails can bring new life to us. The miracles of Easter exist to bring life to God’s children, not only physical life through the resurrection but nourishment that can help us grow closer to Christ. Just as spring enables all of those trees to be renewed, the wonder of the Easter season can enable all mankind to be transformed. Not just me, not just you, but all.

Though we wouldn’t take away the chance of the renewal of springtime from the trees, at times we are tempted to put limits on the rebirth that can come to people through Christ. We all come across people that appear to be dormant, with no spiritual or emotional light. Maybe they have never had Christ in their lives. Maybe they have just experienced a terrible loss or trial. Maybe they are doubting. Maybe they feel little self-worth.  At times, we ourselves may go through a moment, however brief, of dormancy.

What is our reaction when we encounter others in this condition? Is our immediate reaction to declare that they are “dead” and without hope, so we ignore them, or worse, treat them as such? Or do we offer a little warmth? A little water? A little nourishment?

How would Jesus treat them?

We are put here to be tested and to grow. Part of that test is to help others along the way. With a little love and attention, those who appear somewhat lifeless can leaf out and become vibrant and add beauty of their own to the landscape.

Think of the magnificence that is waiting to burst out of a tree in the spring. Think of the glory that is waiting to burst out of a child of God when they experience the effects of the Atonement and the warmth of Christ.

As I was in my backyard last summer, I was watching my cottonwood tree sway back and forth in the wind. I was mesmerized as I was looking up to see the entire tree. It is as tall and as big as any tree on the block. A little over 25 years ago, I planted that tree. When I bought it, it was only six feet tall and I could reach around the trunk of it with one hand, thumb to index finger. Now, I can’t even come close to wrapping my arms around it.

That tree has seen many winters of being dormant. But it has seen just as many springs that bring beauty, protection and enjoyment to me and my family. That tree looked so tiny and useless as I planted it. How I would miss it today if I had not let it grow to its potential each spring.

Do I allow those children of God around me to have the same chances that I gave to my tree? Do I encourage them to partake of the warmth and nourishment that we are reminded of during this Easter season? Do I judge them during their dormant season, or do I see them as they could be: bringing beauty and strength as they are touched by His teachings and sacrifice?

As we see the trees of winter transform into the trees of spring, may we all remember the Easter Tree that changed everything.

1 Peter 2:24-25: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

“For you were straying like sheep but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (ESV)