How Quickly We Forget!

You sent help more than once. Philippians 4:16

One of the favorite books we teachers love to share with our classes is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Although the book is a little beyond the comprehension of a young child, it teaches a valuable lesson, and it usually inspires a time for discussion. The book is the story of a young boy and the apple Tree who have a wonderful friendship, but as the boy grows, things change. The boy becomes so preoccupied with earning money and building a successful life for himself, that he forgets all about the Tree and the friendship they shared.

I like the way Charles Swindoll summarizes the story. “When the boy was young, he swung from the tree’s branches, ate her apples, and slept in her shade, but as he grew up, he spent less and less time with the tree. ‘Come on, let’s play,’ said the tree, but the young man was only interested in money. ‘Take all my apples and sell them,’ said the tree. The young man did, and the tree was happy.

The tree didn’t see him for a long time, but one day, the tree smiled when he walked past. He was no longer a boy, but a man. The man was older and tired of the world, and he wanted to get away from it all. ‘Cut me down, take my trunk, build a boat, and you can sail away,’ the tree suggested. The man did, and the tree was happy. Many seasons passed, and the tree waited. Finally, the old man returned, too old to play, pursue riches, or sail the seas. ‘I have a pretty good stump left,’ said the tree. Sit down and rest.’ The old man did, and the tree was happy.” The tree had given all it had to give in order to make his friend happy.

Just like the boy in the story who quickly forgot his friendship with the tree and how much the tree had done for him, we as Christians fall into the same trap. How quickly we forget the people who have given of themselves so that we might grow, accomplish our goals, and find wholeness and satisfaction in this life.

Today we celebrate two events in our country (three if we count the footbal national championship game which many of our friends celebrate.} First, we remember Martin Luther King, Jr. and his contributions to the American Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s. His I Have a Dream speech, delivered in 1963, spoke of a United States that is void of segragation and racism. Although we have made tremendous strides, do we remember his legacy today or is it just a holiday? How quickly we forget!

Next, today we inaugurate our 47th President of the United States at precisely 12 noon. Donald J Trump takes the oath of office and begins his four year term shortly. The United States Consitution outlines precisely the ceremony and celebration. How quickly we can forget all the founders, leaders, public servants, and men and women who have brought us to this place. Thank you, Lord, for each one!

When we review our lives thinking about the young boy and the tree, we can identify with both. How many giving trees have there been in our lives? How many people have contributed in different ways to mold and make us. How quickly we forget!

It’s sad that many times it takes losing someone to help us remember all the ways they helped us and those we love. When our Daddy died, I was amazed at all the stories that people told of the things he had done for them in small ways, and the love and respect they had for him!

As a teacher, the best times are those in which former students tell you how much you have meant to them over the years and recall pleasant memories. In the ministry, the best of times is when kids that you have baptized, confirmed, and married present their children for baptism with hopes of continuing the tradition. It’s affirming to see the love and dedication in action.

The Giving Tree teaches us to care for others and be grateful for all our loved ones, friends, and even strangers and the things they have done for us. We learn of the value of generosity and forgivness as well as the dangers of greed and ambition. In our scripture, Paul remembers those who helped him, and so should we.

Sam Halversen sang this song on most confirmation Sundays as a way of thanking all the Sunday School teachers, choir leaders, and confirmation leaders, and the following chorus is worth remembering. How Quickly We Can Forget!

Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave. Thank You by Ray Boltz