Pick a different tree!

The ESPN tree...I knew all along that God was a sports fan...now all I have to do is convince my wife.

In his book, Faith and You, Terry Pluto reflects in an essay on the story of Adam and Eve, their ill-advised decision of eating from the Tree of Knowledge, and the notion that there were probably a whole lot of other trees in the garden from which they could have chosen to receive joy and satisfaction. Pluto writes, "God gives all of us a lot of trees in life... it's ok to enjoy ourselves, and most importanly, He wants us to enjoy a LIFE of faith...and realize that even though life can be demanding and a frustrating place at times...there are many times when life is good, when the blessings flow!" (Faith and You, page 10)

This is such a refreshing idea. I think too often that many of us get caught up in what we're not allowed to do in life; it seems like we tend to get a "list" of things that are forbidden- whether at home, work, or church. At work, my contract has a ton of restrictive clauses- most of which are simply common sense. Likewise, growing up, my father certainly had his list of forbidden behaviors-usually focused around a "harmonic" relationship with my siblings. Similarly, it seems like I'm constantly telling Josh and Marie what they are not allowed to do. And certainly, the church has always provided us with a "moral compass", most notably the Ten Commandments. So with all the regulations of what not to do, what can we do...Simple- stay clear from the Forbidden tree(s), pick another one that will bring us closer to Christ, and embrace the life that God has given us as an incredible gift.

Pluto does caution us that most things done to excess can certainly become sinful (even the ESPN tree)- but I think his overall point is that it may be just as sinful to live out our lives and not cherish/ ignore all the different gifts that are around us- our children, spouse, friends, a good book, music, and yes- even sports (just a little bit) ...although, it would be kind of nice if God would send His blessings down on the Chief Wahoo tree- just once in my lifetime!

This reminds me of a powerful scene in Alice Walker's novel, The Color Purple. Shug Avery, a type of Mary Magdeline character, makes the pronouncement that she thinks it "angers" God to walk past the color purple and not take notice...it's one of the most vibrant colors in the world, and it probably offends God when we take things for granted and allow his creations to go unnoticed. It's like the color is shouting to us..."Hey you, look over here! I'm the color purple! Pretty cool, huh?" I would imagine that God would appreciate every so often a little admiration.