Three trees on a wooded hill were discussing their hopes and dreams. The first tree said, “Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. People could fill me with gold, silver and precious gems. They could decorate me with intricate carvings and everyone would see its beauty.”
The second tree said, “Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the seas and sail to unknown places. Everyone will feel safe 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 a hill, look up to my branches and think of the heavens and God. They will remember me as the greatest tree of all time.”
After years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. One came to the first tree and said, “This looks like a strong tree. I can sell the wood to a carpenter.” After being cut down, the tree was happy because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree a woodsman said, “This looks like a strong tree. I can sell it to the shipyard.” The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down, his dreams would not come true. A woodsman said, “I don't need anything special from this tree so I'll just take it back with me.”
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, they made it into a feed box for animals. It was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. They cut the second tree and made a small fishing boat. They cut the third tree into large pieces and left it alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the feed box made from the first tree. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One man went to sleep. A great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man. He stood and said “Be calm” and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. Later, they nailed the man to the tree and raised him up to die at the top of a hill. On the third day, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible. Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral is: When things are not going our way, know that God has a plan for us. God will do almost anything for us. Jesus reminded us through his teachings and his stories how much God loves us. Place your trust in God and God will always give you what is best for you.