This gingko tree has such a vibrant color each fall. The leaves are such a pure yellow and, as many Asian artists throughout the centuries have painted, they have a unique and pleasing shape.

The shape of this tree is also lovely. That is thanks in large part to my father’s recommendation that we remove a poplar tree that was growing behind it. The gingko tree was very small then, only about 3 feet tall. My father knew that the poplar would grow much faster than the ginkgo and the shade from the larger tree would cause the gingko to grow crooked. So, to make room, Phil cut down the poplar tree.

Now that decision was not automatic. Phil pointed out that the poplar tree was healthy, provided shade, and was also a desirable tree. Yet a choice had to be made – make room for the gingko – the only one we have on our property, or leave the trees to compete for sunlight.

We literally have hundreds of poplars on our mountain property so the decision was made to cut that poplar down. Yet it was not easy to remove a healthy tree that wouldn’t impact the smaller tree for several years to come. The issue was to make room for the future well being of the gingko tree. Something good was being removed to allow the growth of something better.

How like the decisions we make daily! I can easily fill my day with “good” things to do – but am I making room for the BEST things? We all know about the tyranny of the urgent. The pressure we feel to do the thing that seems most critical at that moment. Yet when I stop and consider what really matters – what is a priority for me as a follower of Jesus – my decision may change.

The real issue for me is not choosing between making a meal for a recovering friend or taking a walk on the Greenway. (I can take walk on the Greenway after I take the meal 🙂 The issue for me is recognizing the seemingly unimportant activities I engage in day to day that don’t make room for responding to the Holy Spirit. For me – these may include –

• checking Facebook – (for me a bottomless pit)
• checking my 1300 unread emails
• finishing the zig saw puzzle
• watching TV

None of the above activities are inherently wrong. Seeing grandchildren’s pictures on Facebook, catching up with old classmates, or reconnecting with friends from the past are all a blessing. I use Facebook to post this blog. I also need to check emails – ok – I can hear the AMEN now from several of you. Watching TV is a pleasure that can make us laugh, inform us, and entertain us when used thoughtfully. Yet all these things also use time, time that squeezes out room for the “better things.”

Luke 10:38-40 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Now making meals is important. We have responsibilities to our families, jobs, churches, and community that God has called us to. Jesus was admonishing Martha because she had not made room to listen to Him, and was worried and unset at her sister. Mary had a heart that desired to hear Jesus.

As with the tree, I need to choose what to cut out so that I make room for the Holy Spirit to lead me and speak to me. Then I will continue to grow in my walk with Jesus, making room to sit at His feet. Then we can become “like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.” Psalm 1:2-3

#In My Garden with God