When the Timber Falls
Well now, ain’t you a welcome sight for sore eyes, friend. Come and pull that ol’ chair a mite closer on this ol’ front porch because we’ve got somethin’ mighty important to be chewin’ on today. The breeze is rustlin’ through the trees, a squirrel is carryin’ on like it owns the whole county, and somewhere a lil’ ol’ Banty rooster is hollerin’ as if the sun needed his permission to rise. Life can feel downright permanent when we’re busy livin’ it, but Scripture reminds us that every one of us is only passin’ through.
Zechariah 11:2 says, “Howl, fir tree, for the cedar is fallen.” When a great tree comes crashing down, every sapling nearby takes notice. Sho’-nuff, the fall of another reminds us that our own days ain’t endless.
That’s why Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” That don’t mean sittin’ around plum gloomy like an ol’ mule watchin’ the last biscuit disappear. It means understandin’ that every day plum matters.
There are words that need sayin’. Forgiveness that needs givin’. People that need lovin’. Work God has placed in our hands that we ought not keep postponin’ till “someday” because someday has a habit of skedaddlin’ right past us.
Jesus said in Luke 12:40, “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Readiness ain’t fear. It’s downright faithfulness. It’s plum living so close to Christ that if heaven called today, you wouldn’t need to vamoose around gatherin’ up a neglected spiritual life.
Father, teach me to treasure the days You give me. Help me love deeply, forgive quickly, serve faithfully, and live ready. May my life point others toward You and may I one day hear the words of Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now, don’t sit there till the porch swing grows moss on it, friend. Step right on into this day with purpose in your boots and grace in your pockets. Don’t spend precious daylight chasin’ lil’ ol’ rabbits God never told you to be huntin’. Let your life grow real tall, strong, and useful. And when your earthly timber finally starts to fallin’, make sure that you leave behind enough shade, fruit, and faith that folks will still see where Jesus was walkin’ through your life.
With joy,
Gwen
