Fable of 3 Trees
An American Folktale
Three little trees stood high upon a mountain discussing their dreams for the future. The first little tree looked up at the dazzling night sky and said, "I want to carry the treasure of kings and queens. I want to be beautiful. I want to be filled with all the riches in the world."
The second little tree, looking at a nearby stream, said," I want to be a mighty sailing vessel. I want to sail in roaring oceans, roam the high seas, and deliver kings and queens safely to their destinations."
The third little tree loved the mountain top. "I want to stay right here and grow and grow and grow," she said. "I want the people who pass by to look at me touching heaven and think of God."
One day, many years later, three powerful lumberjacks came to help the three trees with the next season of their lives.
The first tree, now stunningly beautiful, was cut down. "I will become the most beautiful treasure chest," he thought.
The mighty second tree was cut down. "I will now sail the roaring oceans," he said.
The third tree with her branches stretched towards heaven, was also cut down. Together, with the other two trees, she was taken down the lovely hillside.
The first tree arrived at a carpenter's shop, all aglow with excitement. But he wasn't made into a treasure chest. He was made into an ordinary feeding trough.
The second tree was brought to the shipyard, not to be made into a vigorous sailing vessel, but was made into a simple fishing boat.
The third tree was brought into a lumberyard. There she was made into beams and put aside. "Why is this happening?," she thought. "All I ever wanted to do was touch heaven."
As the weeks passed, their dreams started to fade. However, one magical night brought the first tree's dream to life. A young mother put her newborn into the trough. "This manger is perfect," said the mother to her husband. And the first tree knew he was cradling the most important treasure ever.
One might the fishing boat was used by a tired traveler and his friends. They fell asleep and the small boat drifted out to sea. The sea became rough and a mighty thunder storm was brewing. The traveler was awakened by the storm, and he stretched out his arms and said,"Peace." The sea became calm and the thunderstorm vanished. The second tree realized he was carrying the Almighty King.
On a Friday morning, the third tree was taken by soldiers and carried through a hostile mob. She trembled with fear as a man's hands were nailed to her. But the following Sunday the sun rose. The Earth was full of joy. She realized that everything had changed because of God's love.
The first tree was made beautiful.
The second tree was made mighty.
The third tree made people think of God.
