Our Zion has a tree named “happy tree.” Whenever we look at that tree with big green leaves and small bell-like flowers, though not many, we feel happy just like its name.
But when summer was about to start, the happy tree, which was almost touching the ceiling, started showing strange symptoms. Its leaves started hardening as if they were withering, and they didn’t look fresh like before at all.
At first, we thought it needed more water and gave it more. However, it still looked the same. Worrying that too much water would rot the root, we stopped watering it. Thankfully, there was a sister who knew much about plants, so we asked her for a piece of advice. She suggested that we prune it.
After being pruned, the happy tree looked shocking. It became half the height and looked thin as almost all its branches were gone, and the tips of the branches where flowers grew were cut off, too. It wasn’t that I doubted the sister, but the tree looked so weak that flowers didn’t seem to bud again.
After some time, I happened to pass by the happy tree, and it was a jaw-dropping surprise. I don’t even know when those leaves came out, but there were leaves three times bigger than the leaves it had before. How could the dying tree revive like this? Seeing the happy tree growing healthier and more beautifully than before, I could feel the power of pruning.
It was amazing that I researched on pruning and learned that it is a necessary process for plants to grow; cutting unnecessary branches helps trees grow better and more evenly. I also learned that plant lovers prune their plants regularly. What is more amazing is that trees too prune themselves; they get rid of unnecessary branches to receive sunlight and nutrition evenly. I was amazed that trees endure the pain of cutting off their own branches to be reborn as strong and beautiful trees.
In the Bible, God’s people are likened to trees (Mt 7:16–19). As the years of my life of faith have passed, my branches have become flourishing too. I’m sure I have good branches, but there also must be many useless branches that block the sunlight and prevent air from blowing through the branches.
I will break off all the branches that prevent me from growing in faith such as arrogance, greed, hatred, and jealousy; because it is definitely necessary to gain healthy branches, abundant leaves, pretty flowers, and healthy fruits although it is painful.
I’d like to become a tree that grows only good branches such as love, unity, gentleness, and humility, by receiving abundant light of the truth and nutrition of the word from God. I hope to become a beautiful and healthy child who makes Heavenly Father and Mother happy.