The Three Trees

Once upon a mountainside, there stood three trees who dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up.

The first tree dreamed of becoming a treasure chest, filled with gold, jewels, and other riches. It dreamed of holding the most valuable treasures in the world.

The second tree dreamed of becoming a mighty ship, carrying kings and queens, explorers and adventurers, across vast oceans to distant lands.

The third tree dreamed of becoming the tallest tree in the forest, reaching high into the sky and touching the stars themselves. It dreamed of being admired by all who saw it.

Years passed, and the trees grew tall and strong. The woodcutters came and cut them down, each for a different purpose.

The first tree was made into a simple feeding trough, placed in a humble stable. Disappointed, it wondered why it couldn't be the treasure chest it had dreamed of becoming.

The second tree was fashioned into a small fishing boat, destined to spend its days on a quiet lake. It wondered why it couldn't be the mighty ship it had dreamed of becoming.

The third tree was cut into lumber and left in a lumberyard. It wondered why it couldn't be the tallest tree in the forest it had dreamed of becoming.

Years passed, and one special night, each tree discovered its true purpose.

The first tree, now a feeding trough, held a newborn baby. It realized it was holding the most precious treasure in the world, for it cradled the Son of God.

The second tree, now a small fishing boat, carried a tired man across a stormy sea. It realized it was carrying the Savior of the world, bringing peace to those in need.

The third tree, now lumber, was fashioned into a rugged cross. It realized it was reaching high into the sky, touching the heavens themselves, as it became the symbol of salvation for all mankind.

And so, the trees learned that sometimes, our dreams may not turn out as we expect, but they can still lead us to our true purpose.

For the first tree, it found its treasure in the love of a child.

For the second tree, it found its adventure in carrying the Savior of the world.

And for the third tree, it found its greatness in becoming the symbol of hope and salvation for all mankind.