The tree crew left lots of stumps in the woods. We were not willing to pay the extra cost of having them removed. They did, however, remove several stumps that were already partially out of the ground. These were the result of trees toppling over and pulling their own roots out of the ground. After cutting the tree away from the roots the crew used their "claw" machine to yank it out of the ground in a matter of minutes. This is our neighbor's toppled tree in their part of the woods with its roots out of the ground....
As you can see it is unsightly. This tree would not have fallen over if it'd been healthy or if the roots had grown deeper. Even if the tree is cut up into smaller sections so it can be removed, the stump that is left would be very difficult to remove without the help of a machine.
The stump in the first photo, however, can be put to some purposeful use if I use my imagination--perhaps the base for a bird bath or as a stand for a potted plant. I've seen chain saw sculptures carved from larger stumps that are quite amazing.
This makes me think of the difference between the "cutting" from our lives that God does and the "cutting" that takes place due to our own folly. The stump that is left from God's work in our lives can be put to good use while the stump of our own making can be a blot on our lives.
But all is not lost. If we're willing to let God come into our lives and remove the stump from the fallen tree, as painful as it may be (like a tooth being pulled without anesthesia!), and then let Him fill the resulting hole with His Love, all can be made beautiful.
Father, all things are possible with You. You can restore to us the beauty you intended in our lives. May I be malleable in Your Hands.
Link to scripture: Romans 8:28
Take action: God's Kindness
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