THE IMPERFECT TREE

When brother Bill and I were kids back in the fifties our Christmas was both a exciting and magic time for us- our favorite part was putting up the Christmas tree. We did not set it up until few days before December 24. We often had a special supper before setting up the tree in our favorite corner. It was a winter celebration during those short days with long nights.

Daddy always found the tree in our farm's grove of trees . All the farms in western Alberta had long groves of trees that were originally planted by the homesteaders. We had both poplar and spruce trees. Trees were needed on the farm as they not only served as wind breaks but they were also our only source of heat. We needed both types for firewood as they burn at different rates and even give off different heats.

Daddy did not cut down trees-unnecessarily or carelessly. They were too important to our way of life. All the trees had a job to do in helping run the family farm.

Daddy never picked a perfect tree that would grow tall and strong- He would find a small tree that was weak and perhaps only had a few branches on one side and a lot on the front side. One side would have received more sun light than the other side as often the trees shaded each other. Too much shade caused some trees to grow sparse.

The back side did not matter as it did not show when it was in the corner and decorated. No matter what tree he found it seemed the most beautiful one in our child eyes and when mother decorated the tree it only increased in beauty. No matter how imperfect it was to others it was perfect to us. Daddy choose the imperfect tree knowing that we would love it and it was worthy. He knew that it was small and weak but it could still bring joy.

When the tree was finished bringing us our Christmas joy we put it in our front yard. Here for the rest of the winter it served as a bird feeder. Mama would leave the stringed popcorn on and then put out bread slices covered with suet. The rest of the winter we watched the birds come and go and listened to their songs. In the summer when the tree had dried out and shed its needles daddy used it for firewood. That tree was useful until the end as even ashes were saved for gardens or put on icy paths to keep us safe.

Jesus accepted me in my imperfect ways and loved me while I was still a sinner. He did not choose me for my perfections. To Him I was beautiful and worthy to be useful. He did not choose me because I was perfect. He decorated me with his Love and Peace and Joy and Hope. I am useful. Maybe you feel weak and broken and of no use. God will not throw you away because you have challenges or problems. We can all shine for Jesus even when our back is up against the wall. We can be a blessing where ever we stand.

"Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another

with whatever gift each of you has received." ~1 Peter 4:10

We can be thankful for whatever imperfections we have. We can still perform, in the little things, as a faithful servant for God. We can be doers of God's word, not just hearers. Every day brings a new opportunity to be used in God's kingdom.

huggles me, Meme



this story was written before cancer came to our house- dug out of meme's archives