Oaks of Righteousness

Yesterday this oak tree sapling was delivered to my house in a tall, thin box — an early birthday present from some longtime, dear friends.

At first I was a bit baffled as to why someone would send such a gift to a sixty-four-year-old woman who likely will not be around to see this tree grow to maturity.

Further, I have no idea how to plant a tree. And it’s going to take some time and effort to figure this out. A gardener I am not! It was a bit of a challenge just to get the burlap and plastic packaging off and get the “tree” in a small pot and watered so it won’t dry up before I have a chance to plant it. Is it really worth all this effort?, I wondered.

Then it struck me. “This is the perfect gift!,” I said to Robert. “This sapling is a picture of my calling in this season of life — to invest in the lives of younger women … to plant seeds for a time I will not live to see.”

This oak sapling is small, weak, and fragile. But properly planted and rooted, in time it will come to represent strength and endurance. It will provide shade and enjoyment for those coming after me, even as Robert and I so enjoy the beauty and shade of a majestic, mature white oak perched on our river bank — planted many years ago by someone who probably did not live to see the fruit of his or her efforts.

To be sure, this calling to plant seeds of faith and grace in younger women’s hearts is not an easy one; it takes time and effort. I have a lot of learning to do. And the results require a ton of patience—at times, it looks like nothing is happening.

But here’s what I know: If I am faithful now, it will be worth the effort and the wait. And generations yet to come will be blessed.

“… that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3).

PS: Mamas with littles … hope this encourages you, too. You are doing a good work — planting saplings for a day you may not live to see. It will be worth it!