Flawed?
Written by seneca
Posted on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 07:02 AM.
Flawed?
Once upon a time, there was a large forest. Lebanon was known the world over for its giant and beautiful redwoods. This story is not about the magnificent redwoods though, but the strong and mighty dogwood trees.
Long ago, in a time before our time, the dogwood were powerful, lofty and without equal. They stood proud beside the redwood, but deep within the shadows of all these enormous ancients, grew a small sprig. His name was Agapetos.
He was not alone, for there were many other sprigs near his young age. There was something wrong with Agapetos, for as the years rolled by, his friends began to out-distance him in growth. His friends laughed and made fun of his short statue. The time came when he looked up at those his own age and realized that he was a runt. Oh, he grew much thicker and stronger than they, but the height, every tree desires height.
âWhy Master, why me Lord? Why am I different, why am I flawed?â
âPatience child, in time, all will be understood.â
There was a rustling in the leaves, as centuries later, it was rumored that the Son of God walked upon the earth.
Arguments began to take place, as the redwoods and dogwoods began to wonder who would have the honor of carrying and comforting the Christ in his hour of death. For you see, nature communes with God and He with them, so there were few secrets which the trees did not know.
Gabriel approached the throne, humbled before his Master, who was in a subdued mood. Quietly he spoke, âMaster, I have found the perfect tree for the deed which must be done. He is strong and tall, aged and worthy.â
âNo Gabrielâ interrupted God âI have a special branch, created for this task alone. He is young, for my Son loves the children. He is not tall and haughty, but short and meek. And strength, his strength is greater than any other, for the burden he must hold. His name is Agapetos and he alone is worthy.â
Gabriel replied as he turned to go, âThe young Agapetos shall be acquired, my Lord.â
âOh, and Gabriel?â spoke the Almighty.
âYes, Master?â
âFrom this day on, the mighty and proud Dogwood tree shall be no more. This day I decree that none shall grow even half as tall as Agapetos, for none are as big of heart as he. They shall be bent and twisted and covered with thorns. My human children shall shun them and the giant redwood shall look down on them. For all the years which they have ridiculed the one I favor, there shall be a judgment.
Moral of Story
Everything God creates is wonderful, beautiful and perfect. Faults and flaws do come about and thereâs a reason for all things. At times we ask âWhy Lord?â and in his own time he will answer that question. When we understand, it shall be joy unspeakable and full of grace.
I have a mother, whom I love dearly. Over the years she has acquired a few wrinkles, doesnât see quite so well, nor does she hear adequately. You might say she is flawed. And I might say that every time I see her, she becomes more lovely than the time before.
When I seek a piece of wood to build a piece of furniture, I seek not for that perfect piece. I look for the unique, for that which is twisted and flawed. With the eye of a craftsman, I can visualize the finished product. Itâs the flaw which shines through to create the beauty.
R.D. Smith
