A Legacy of Faith
He sits quietly under an old fruit tree. He had planted this old tree many years ago when the heart of a young man beat in his chest. Now his body is finished. Old battle scars have become more pronounced and arthritis reminds him of all the broken bones in his life. Now an old man’s heart beats in his chest as he sits under this old fruit tree.
The steps of this good man had been ordered by the Lord. All his life he had been delighted to walk in the Way. Once he had been young but now he is old. Often he had fallen but he had never been cast down. In his righteousness, he had never been forsaken because he was like a tree that was planted by the rivers of water. In the stillness, he tasted the goodness of God’s Love and he was glad to sit in the shade of the old fruit tree.
He eyes seems to be focused on far away things. However he is looking at things that are very near. What he is seeing are memories that come from the heart of an old man. Laughter tumbles from its branches as he remembers his little children climbing in the fruit tree. In his mind, he can see the jars of jelly on the pantry shelf and he licks his lips to taste the sweetness once more. With a smile, he remembers the taste of a kiss and the lady who has loved him since the heart of a young man beat in his chest.
The sound of laughter fades away as he leans back against the old fruit tree. He closes his eyes and his gentle old heart grows still, while one last kiss was pressed on his lips. Precious in the sight of the God he loved is the death of this old saint. With an escort of angels he enters his heavenly home and he begins to enjoy the fruitful treasure that has been laid up for him in Heaven.
The old fruit tree still stands. The laughter of his great-grandchildren now tumble from its branches. Young girls learn to make jelly that is sweet and young men chase after kisses that are even sweeter. The tree the young man planted will bear fruit long after he is gone and the faithful life the old man lived will bless his family for many generations.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.”
Psalms 127:3-5 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.127.3-5.NKJV
Douglas & Deborah Huff
email- pavementendsministry@gmail.com
