“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3, NIV.

Small Beginnings

Summer is by far my favorite season, but there is something magical about autumn. I relish the sound of leaves crunching underfoot and I love the feeling of the crisp, fall air breezing against my cheeks. I love to sit on my porch in the mornings, with a steaming cup of coffee, a cozy blanket, and a book. The past few days I’ve watched our neighborhood squirrels gather acorns and bury them with precision with their little paws as they prepare for the cold days ahead.

I was reminded of a time when my mom said to me, “Do not despise small beginnings,” as she handed me an acorn. That acorn has held so much truth in my life.

I have that acorn on my bookshelf and it serves as a reminder that growth takes time. In life, we will face astringent exposures from harsh storms that will pose a threat to our growth. Parts of our story may be damaged from components of time and unfortunate circumstances, but if you are rooted in God, you will stand strong.

Psalm 1:3 states, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

This verse contains so many promises.

1. You will be like a tree that brings forth fruit in your season.
2. Your leaf will not wither.
3. You will be prosperous.

Permanent Change

An oak tree can never become a seedling again; however, it has the power to produce seed. Also, a tree never stops growing. Every year its trunk gets bigger and its limbs longer. We should never stop growing spiritually, but be resolute about growing in the Lord every year.

Growth produces permanent change.

I don’t know how this year has been for you but think of the growth you’ve experienced. Maybe you have not accomplished everything that you had planned, but give yourself grace and think about the personal growth that has taken place in your personal and spiritual life.

I encourage you to keep an acorn you may find on the ground and place it somewhere in your home where it will remind you that good things take a lot of time to grow.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that You will keep me rooted in Your word. Help me to grow every year and to be thankful that You will help me bear fruit in my life to bless others.