Grafting

We have this old Weeping Willow in our yard.  I have always thought willow trees were beautiful - the way they droop down and create a curtain of beauty surrounding the trunk.  I've seen them get so weighed down with snow and ice that they fall, but I know the one we have in our yard has already withstood many a harsh winter, even since we moved in.

As my children were climbing in the tree recently, I noticed that there are parts that have grown into other parts.   I felt like the Lord spoke directly to my heart - like in Romans 11.

16...if the root is holy, the branches are too. ¹⁷ But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, ¹⁸ do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. ¹⁹ You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” ²⁰ Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; ²¹ for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. ²² Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. ²³ And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. ²⁴ For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?

Although I know that Paul was speaking to the Jews, I felt like their situation could certainly apply in our life.  I looked at this tree, this branch that was "eaten up", as my children say, by the tree and I realized that as much as I am that way in God's family, Carolina is that way in our immediate family.  Ephesians 1:5-6 says, "He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved."


Once we are adopted into His family, we are part of it and if we try to remove ourselves it will leave great damage, like trying to remove a toe or an arm.  Carolina has been adopted into our family and is a permanent member.  Just as this branch on our willow tree has been grafted into the trunk, Carolina has been grated into our family and is an important part of our body. The root is rich and holy.  

This tree is an important reminder of God's love for her and for me (and His children).