Better Than You Planned

Plans are useless; planning is indispensable. Dwight D. Eisenhower

three trees Have you ever planned and dreamed about something until you were certain that you had it all figured out–and then watched as things unraveled?

I didn’t write the following story, but I share it with the hope that you’ll join me in seeking a bigger perspective.

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, “Someday I hope to be a great treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with an intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.”

The second tree said, “Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. People will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.”

Finally the third tree said, “I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill, look up to my branches, and think of I am to the heavens and God. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.”

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.

When one came to the first tree he said, “This looks like a strong tree. I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter.” He began cutting it down. The tree was happy because he knew the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, “This looks like a strong tree. I will be able to sell it to the shipyard.” The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

The third tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the men said, “I don’t need anything special from my tree, I’ll take this one,” and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenter, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn’t think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. His friends woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said “Peace” and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it carried the King of Kings.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree realized that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as possible.

When things don’t seem to be going your way, remember that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.

Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.

We don’t always know what God’s plans are for us. His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

What’s a dream that you need to leave in God’s hands?