Stunted Trees- Nourishment

The beaches at Santa Rosa Beach, Florida are some of the most beautiful in the world. The Marine Science instructor had the 4-H students meet at the park entrance to begin the field trip. It was a fascinating afternoon. We splashed in the water gathered specimens to identify and observed scat (animal droppings) and tracks that I would have never noticed without her  promptings. She pointed to the scrubby trees along the road and casually mentioned, “See how small the Live Oaks are here. They don’t get the nutrients or nourishment they need to grow large.”

I thought I had misunderstood, so I questioned her. “You don’t mean those scraggly shrubs are actually oak trees like the huge ones growing in town?”

“I do,” she explained. “Their growth is stunted.”

Instead of developing into the giant majestic oaks they were destined to become, they were only the size of a bush or small shrub.

Like the oaks, your children, the children in your class or in your home have a destiny. They were made to know God and walk with God. Yet, they will never fulfill that plan without the seed of God’s Word being planted and nurtured in their hearts. What they hear, see and believe is critical to their becoming the giant God called them to become. Feed them the Bible. Help them digest and metabolize the nourishment inherent in the verse or story. Help them develop a deep relationship with God.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.