Photo and Commentary ©2026 by Maylan Schurch
Sabbath, February 7, 2026
On a neighborhood walk a couple of weeks ago I angled off on a slightly different route, and noticed for the first time this amazing little tree. Notice how it starts out as an upright trunk, but then its branches suddenly shoot out in all directions, making you wonder whether there’s something wrong. Will this tree survive?
Well, if you’ll take a moment to follow the course of each branch, you see that eventually they veer back toward the center, and the taller and more mature branches have started growing shoots which (in spring and summer) will produce leaves and maybe flowers.
To me, this tree is a parable of how God works with willing human beings. Haven’t you ever had a time (or times) in your life where everything seemed to go off the rails for you? And haven’t you seen the Lord patiently and lovingly urging you to return to Him, so you can grow to your fullest potential?
Click the link below for several Bible verses about encouragement. And yes, they’ll encourage you – that you might be able to encourage someone else with them!