Churches and Cherry Trees (Part 1)

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” - John 5:24 (ESV)

I’m in a weird season of life, where I know God is making a move. I just don’t know how or when. One of those transitions I’m anticipating is with my church. We have multiple locations, one of which I spent the majority of my life attending. 

My home church building has been the same for 15 years. We’ve had this cherry blossom tree outside, right by the back door. I passed by it recently and realized that it essentially grew up with me, both in my age and in my faith.

• It was the one that was there when I once played youth group games in the parking lot.
• Years later, it was there when I led those same events for students at VBS.
• It’s the one I’ve sat under to have countless conversations…some to celebrate God’s goodness, others to process the unexplainable.
• It’s the spot I stood by as I invited people to join my small group.
• It’s one we met by for weekly prayer, contending for my pastor when he was battling cancer for a second time.

And still, it’s easy to pass by without noticing it. Cherry blossom trees are only in bloom for 2-4 weeks. For almost all of the year, its branches are barren. It’s interesting, though. These trees are known for their very short seasons and also for representing renewal, as they bloom in springtime. New life, despite the fleeting time we have on Earth.

Like with this tree, how many times have I walked by God’s blessings without noticing? Perhaps the greatest blessing is the promise of new and eternal life, even here, in the temporary.

In John 5:24, Jesus says this: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” It’s simple: believe in Jesus. Declare he is Lord. And inherit your eternal life instead of facing death. We have this promise, even today. But it can be hard to see at times because it isn’t yet fulfilled. 

To live in a broken world with hope for the future, to know that suffering is never all that there is…that, in itself, is the greatest blessing.

I picked up a few blossoms from the pavement and couldn’t help but hold onto them. Later, I pressed the petals and made them into necklaces. This beautiful flower is my reminder of God’s provision with this church and this community. Rather than blowing away in the wind after a few weeks, these petals are mine to hold onto…just like God’s promises. In faith, I know God’s character; his plans will not be shaken. No matter what seasons or situations may come, I have all that I need. I have hope in what is to come.