Wires in Trees

Courtesy of Pixabay

Have you ever wondered how much more you can take?  This reminds me of several trees on our property.   One has a wire around it to hang three bird feeders.  The wire has been there about seventeen years and to my amazement, it has not broken as the tree grows. 

The other tree has a rubber strap I put around the trunk when it was a sapling, trying to pull it in the opposite direction. Neither strap broke, but the tree kept growing. Inspecting these straps more closely, they actually have now been incorporated into the tree; the tree bark literally wrapped itself around these straps.  

Life is sometimes like these straps.  When situations stretch us sooo severely, how  often have we said, "how much more can I take?" Or, even, "I can't take anymore."  Sometimes we think we need to do something drastic to end that pain and suffering.

Well, then others, in their upbringing that has told them, "God won't give me anymore than what I can handle" find strength there.  I don't know about you, but when I'm stretched to near breaking, God seems really far away. Well, I should say, my prayers get a whole lot shorter, like, "help!!" 

On a deeper thought, have you ever stopped long enough to ponder how those tough times have enriched your life, made you a better person or gave you more strength for new struggles?  These "wires and straps" in your various trees of life sure are there but how has your life incorporated all those experiences to help make you a better person!  It's amazing to realize there really can be a blessing to tough times!