Читать книгу Sun Rays - Joshua Livingston - Страница 15

Come to the Tree

There was once a mighty tree that stood in the middle of a vast field. This tree was strong and firm and it was many hundreds of years old. The trunk was immovable and it was so thick that the children could not get their arms all the way around when they tried to hug it. But even so, this tree was inviting. The trunk split just low enough to allow the young ones to climb up and the branches reached out in every direction allowing them all space to rest on them.

Yes, the tree was simply the best in the world for climbing but the most special part of this grand old tree was its fruit. The shiny fruit was succulent and moist, more sweet and juicy than an apple or pear and less sour and tangy than an orange or grapefruit. Candy was no match for this tasty treat. Whatever it was, the fruit was unlike anything they had ever tasted and it hung from the branches all year round.

But too much of anything, no matter how good, can lead to trouble. The generosity of this grand tree was to be its downfall. It would give and give and the children would take and take until its goodness was no longer savored and the precious fruit was taken for granted. Many became picky, taking only the shiniest, leaving the lesser ones to drop to the ground and rot beneath the branches. Worms and maggots and then flies and bad odors all began to creep in until the children didn’t even want to play there anymore.

Too much dead fruit piled up and disease began to spread into the earth, infecting all of the roots. It didn’t happen overnight, but sure enough, the life of the tree was eventually choked out. The trunk became hollow and the bark thin like paper. Then, it only took the slightest wind to knock it over.

Many still remember the great tree. They can recall the bright and sunny days they simply leaned back against the massive trunk as their companions climbed about merrily overhead in the branches. Here is a song that has been passed down through the years. It has served as a reminder for many and it’s a very important message for all of us:

This fruit is a gift, offered for us!

Sweet to the taste and soft to the touch.

Hold fast to the branches,

cling not to the fruit.

The trunk has deep roots,

but the stem, it hangs loose!

Come to the Tree, the branches for all!

Only mind where you hang, or cometh a fall.

Hold not to the ends,

but cling to the Center.

And always remember

what the good fruit is meant for.

With thankful hearts we share bounties:

Friends, families, villages, counties!

The fruit of the spirit

is love, joy and peace.

For the poor and the least

this fruit will increase!