The Cypress Tree

A little cypress tree was planted on a knoll along the coastal shore. Its beauty caught the eye of many tourists who made a point to stop and view its shapely form. The tree attracted more and more admirers and it soon had quite a following. It grew lovelier with every season. "I must be quite remarkable," the tree thought in his heart.

Through the years the howling winds and thundering waves blew upon the shore, and the rains came in torrents, contorting its fair form. The broken tree that had drawn so much admiration no longer stood so lovely, straight and proud. The storms and winds had left it naked and ashamed. Its trunk and limbs were now gnarled and deformed and it was all bent over. "I am ugly," said the tree.

"Oh look," a cry was heard, and all the people gasped as they looked more closely at the tree. "It is transformed and is far more beautiful than it ever was before the storms. It has been tried and it has overcome. Now it's strong and rugged. It has character and strength. Now it makes shade in which to rest, and it has strong branches in which the birds can build their nests and children can play. Its roots have gone down deep into the soil, enabling it to withstand any future test. It is an example for all of us, that we too might endure when the storms of life come our way.

The wretched tests of life that seem to threaten to undo us and take away our very soul are the precise tools God uses when He begins to mold us, shape us, cut away our imperfections and conform us to His always perfect plan.

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Submitted by Daphne Harrington. You may email Daphne at this address: daphne@daphneharrington.com or visit her Web site to read more of her writing: www.daphneharrington.com