The Perfect Tree

It was a crisp, sunny afternoon in early December, and a family had gone to the Christmas tree farm with hopes of finding a suitable tree for their home. It was an outing they relished, with family members combing the entire farm for the perfect tree.  It had to be just right: not too tall, not too thin, just the right shape, and of course a straight trunk. Searching through the pines, they came upon another family they knew and stopped to visit. They commented, 'This place is filled with beautiful trees. It's going to be hard to pick one."

Their friends replied, "Not for us. We never look for perfect trees! We're looking for a tree that needs us! Then we'll make it beautiful!"

When it comes to picking disciples, God ,operates on the same principle. He can take Peter, an impulsive, erratic fisherman, and make him into a powerful spokesman. He can take John, a firm hothead, and turn him into the apostle of love. God doesn't took for perfection in deciding who can carry out His work. I'm glad, because that means even an unlikely type like me has possibilities in his hands.

Instead of perfection, he's looking for folks who need him! He's looking for someone whose heart can be broken! When we realize this, then God can make something beautiful of our lives.

That might be a good motto for our fellowship as well. Look for someone who needs you!

Ross Anderson - Bulletn Digest