I think I’m done. Crushed, trampled, isolated. What good can come from the hurt? Why are others successful, tromping over my hopes and dreams? Leaving me behind.
Feeling Like I Was Done
Ponderosa Pines surround Goldwater Lake, providing shade on the trail. Pinecones lie scattered along the path. When I see the crushed pinecone, my mind floods with the years I felt incapable, useless, unwanted. The most experienced teacher on my team, no one valued my ideas. Was my fruitfulness done?
It certainly seemed so at the time. Stubbornly, I clung to my way of doing things, making changes begrudgingly. My unwillingness evident in my tone of voice, missing deadlines, and not being prepared for team meetings.
My heart filled with bitterness, resentment, jealousy.
Being Crushed Doesn’t Mean Being Done
From the small seed, a Ponderosa Pine can grow up to 200 feet tall, and three to four feet across. But only if the seeds sheltered in the cone are ground into the earth. Then they sprout and grow, sending roots to water, and rising out of the ground, reaching toward the life-giving sun.
I, too, needed to be crushed. The pride and stubbornness, resentment, and bitterness dying, replaced with God’s plan for my life. My roots seeking living water (John 4:7-26) and sprouting up, out of the ground, reaching to the light of the world (John 8:12).
God Is Never Done with His Children
As I set aside my agenda and let God work, His character blossomed. Peace filled my soul so I could listen and learn instead of clinging to old ways. And as I heard others, they valued my contributions as well.
I offered kindness and patience instead of judgment. Not just to my teammates but the students and parents under my care.
The last two years of my thirty-five-year teaching career were filled with productivity and nurturing. I tried to see each person through the eyes of Christ, offering Him instead of me.
It takes decades for a Ponderosa Pine to reach its full height. But it provides shade, shelter, and food long before it reaches maturity. Like the Ponderosa Pine, God will keep using me throughout my life, often in unexpected ways.
I’ll Never be Done Praising
Standing on the trail, I heard a symphony of birdsong from the trees. From those tiny seeds, crushed into the ground, they grew, towering into the heavens. Sheltered in the branches, the birds sang praises to God.
I lift my voice in praise along with them. God works all things together for good. He knew I needed to be crushed so I could grow.
Now, I stand tall, giving Him the glory for seeing who I could be under His tender care.
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So grateful that God never gives up or abandons us. Even when we feel like we cannot go on, He continues moving us forward!
Karen, I love that He keeps moving us forward, even when we don’t see or understand, He is working in us.
I think as long as we are alive, He has something for us to do. So true that sometimes we have to be crushed in order to grow. I am glad for you that your last two years were so productive! No telling what God has in store for you now!
Jerralea, I’m thankful now that God crushed me so I could grow. I’m in a season of harvest, seeing the blessings of His work. I pray I respond with joy during the next trial.
Oh, Debbie, this is beautiful! I always love when someone uses nature to help explain truths and you have done it so well. 🙂 I love that God will keep using us and never give up. Even when we eel crushed and worn, He will still shine His glory through us. Even when we timidly step out to do something God has called us to do, we don’t have to worry. He will take our offering and make it worthy. Blessings to you! I’m your neighbor at #TeaAndWord this week.
Thank you, Gayl. God is always good. I don’t always like how He works, but I know His way is best.
Glad He is still working on and through us, masterpieces in the making. His ways are perfect.
‘God is never done with His children.’ He keeps working in/on us all our days. Thanks for the reminder Debbie
I love this message. Never stop praising God. He is never done with us. What a blessing!
God is never done with HIs children. That’s a truth I can hold on to as well! Thanks, Debbie!
It’s amazing what comes from such a seed!
Yes, “all things work together for good to those who love the Lord & are called according to His purpose”. It’s the “according to His purpose” that we have to get isn’t it…& it can take that crushing, bruising or brokenness before we “get” it…
Great post Debbie,
Jennifer
So true, Jennifer. I too often forget its His purpose and not my own that matters.
I’m so glad God is never done with us, and that he can use even hard circumstances to help us grow like he did in your situation.
Lesley, I think I grow the most during those hard seasons. James 2:2-4 says it all, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Thank you Debbie. Your thoughts resonate with me loudly. You have encouraged me today! Joining you as a fellow FMF contributor. Have a blessed day!
Knowing I encouraged you encourages me, Robin. Thank you for stopping by today.
I am so very grateful that God is NEVER done with us, His children. I know that I am not perfect and never will be while on this earth, so knowing that He will continue to grow me and love me through the process is a wonderful blessing. Thank you for reminding me today.
I need this reminder often, too, Linda. Thank you for stopping by today.
It truly is remarkable what God can accomplish when we get out of HIS way!
Your FMF neighbor, #32
So true, Brooke!