ROTTEN TREE BLOCKING OUT THE LIFE IN BLOOM - BBC Radio 2 Pause For Thought 23.5.18

It is so easy to miss your life in bloom.

If you are like me there is oftentimes a rotten tree in the way. Right there, in front of you. Right in your face! Blocking out a meadow of flowers behind it.

It might be that we’ve have been misinterpreted. There is nothing as rotten as being misunderstood. It might be that we’ve have been criticised, unfairly. Maybe it was a misinformed rumour. Maybe someone heard us wrong. Maybe it is a an issue we have at work, a difficult situation that we need to deal with. Or in the family. Maybe there is stress. Worry. Fear.

Rotten trees. They take up your entire vision.

Have you ever seen the film A Wonderful Life. James Stewart’s character George Bailey has got stuck in front of a rotten tree. He is contemplating ending it all. An angel appears and takes him back through his life, showing him all the flowers that he caused to bloom that he was missing because of that tree.

The apostle Paul knew about rotten trees too. A time in prison here, a shipwreck there. A church in crisis. A thorn in his side that he never explained. He was often in need and wondering how those needs would be met. 

BUT… Paul spread the Church across the world. He founded Churches. He pastored them with some of the most profound letters ever written. How many weddings do you hear his poetry, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” St Paul had set the entire world of his day in bloom.

And what about us? Is there something rotten, that is taking up our energy, bringing us down. This week, as I see the Chelsea Flower Show all over the media, though to be fair the colours do not look great on the radio Vanessa, I am praying that God will help me see past any rotten trees that are filling my horizon, so that I might get a glimpse of my life in bloom. 

Comments

[Ken Newell]

Thanks, Steve, for such a clear, thoughtful and personally challenging piece. 'seeing your life in bloom' is such a radiant-with-hope phrase. We are so glad that you get many opportunities to speak into the lives of your early morning congregation. Shalom, Ken