I spent a good part of yesterday taking a small tree out of our back garden...all seemed a bit of a shame in some ways but it needed to come out. Anyway, it was fascinating to see just how twisted the trunk and branches were, and how all the branches seemed to cr
oss over and intertwine; and it didn't exactly make taking it out any easier! But it was a vivid reminder of the power of life. While that tree was alive it would grow, and if there were obstructions in the way it would grow round them; be shaped by them, yes, but keep growing. Life and growth are two sides of the same coin. Where there is spiritual life, whether at an individual or congregational level, we should expect to see growth. But that growth won't be in neat straight lines - it will be twisted and hard to untangle, and won't look like it's going anywhere at times. Let's hope I remember that.
oss over and intertwine; and it didn't exactly make taking it out any easier! But it was a vivid reminder of the power of life. While that tree was alive it would grow, and if there were obstructions in the way it would grow round them; be shaped by them, yes, but keep growing. Life and growth are two sides of the same coin. Where there is spiritual life, whether at an individual or congregational level, we should expect to see growth. But that growth won't be in neat straight lines - it will be twisted and hard to untangle, and won't look like it's going anywhere at times. Let's hope I remember that.
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