Thursday, August 21, 2014

The Meaning of An Acorn

We spend most of our childhood anticipating, desiring and certain of the ultimate value of growing up. We don’t want to be kids. Despite this all consuming desire to be an adult, I’m not certain I ever got there.

As evidence of this theory, after my wife and I were married and before we had children, I felt compelled to construct a kite. I bought the lumber and the plastic and constructed an eight foot high kite. I flew it and if I was not such a large guy it would have lifted me off the ground.

Fast forward to today. This spring I planted some acorns. I gathered them last fall and kept them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator all winter. I planted them in the spring. When the first acorn sprouted a sapling I was elated.

I began this endeavor so that I could give each of my grandkids an oak tree to plant and in twenty or thirty years they could look at that tree and recollect that their gramps had given it to them. This was my shot at immortality or at least an extended remembrance of my presence in the life of my grandkids.

I knew nothing of the way an oak tree grew. Leaves emerged from the sprout. Soon after, from the center of the stem, a new set of leaves was born, fresh, new unblemished filled with the splendor of newness.

The thing is - these little child trees were difficult to give away.  I grew seven or eight so it was not too difficult. I would still have three or four for myself. Yet, I began to wonder why they intrigued me so. I would visit my trees frequently and experienced a good deal of satisfaction from seeing the extension of the tree trunk, small and thin as it was, coming out of the center of the stem, with new, unblemished leaves, light green to a reddish hue, each fresh - a reminder of the excitement of new life.

On reflection it occurred to me that my fascination with these saplings had a more transcendent significance. The new emergence of another layer of growth and new leafs reminded me of our spiritual growth. Each effort at being a little Christ that we make is the emergence of new growth. Awareness of our weaknesses and self concerns is a new growth in the Spirit. It is the emergence of a life in Christ that produces an unblemished, fresh and new growth. Nature mimics the Spirit. Praise God!

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Praise God!

with Love said...

what a beautiful analogy of the acorn. Also the strength of the Oak tree once matured. I am surrounded by acorns and had a good friend recently pick up some rather large acorns at her church and give to me. The Lord is mighty and it amazes me how many messages that He gives to us every day in so many things.

Unknown said...

I just recently started crafting Acorns out of Stone,(marble,granite &onyx). I've always loved Acorns. Everything about them from their little cap to points. Always amazed by the fact the such a might tree was all encoded in such a beautiful and small nut. Their texture, shapes,size and colors. So similar and so different..I've always collected them . I put them in my plants ,basket and bowl all around the house . Interduce them to my children and grandchildren children .plant them . Now I have the wonderful opertunity to create my own depictions from stone . I love to share them with anyone who would like to see them . I believe they are quite lovely. My email address is bamma7399@gmail.com for anyone who would like to view them.id love to share and spread the appreciation for God's Creations.

Unknown said...

I'm sorry I forgotten one of the main reasons I started my comment . As I was crafting one of my Acorns out of Laberdorite a very airodesent stone. I began to also create a story I would love to publish for myself and my family. I have verbally shared it with all of them and they loved it . I looking for somebody who would be able to help me accomplish this task .

Unknown said...

Wow & Wow! I found an Acorn on Yesterday! When I was a kid I was always around Acorn. Praise GOD! Thank you for your encouragement! ✌Shalom

Unknown said...

Hi..I grew up in England and as a Child these beautiful oak trees were down the lanes and in the middle of fields. I.used to be fascinated by acorns..gathered them from under the trees as treasure.
These mighty oaks were amazing to stand under.. they don't bend to.the elements they stand strong
And firm.. so tooin Christian life,
They are a symbol of strength and boldness..yet they bring shelter from storms..many birds nest in them..so they are safe..in scripture they are referred to as oaks of righteousness..
I like the jewellery of the acorn..it symbolizes new life. Blessings. Shalom.