Bent Branches

There once was a man who walked straight and tall

His back firm as a rod

He gave his heart to serve his country

He gave his soul to honor his God

But time took its toll and bowed his back

He could no longer stand straight

Time and events unmercifully disabled him

And then all he could do is wait

He felt so helpless and hopeless

His body failed him to serve

He was so racked with pain and fatigue

Which affected his every nerve

A phone call came that helped him to see

That all was not a loss

He had been asked by His loving God

To carry His own personal cross

A story was told Him by someone who loved him

About a certain row of trees

They had limbs so tall and beautiful

They could praise God if they so pleased

But one little tree felt so left out

His limbs were so scrawny and bent

He too felt so helpless and hopeless

So to him, a message God sent

Along the path the stately trees stood

An old man and his grandson did walk

The sun beat down upon their heads

And their bodies did eventually balk

They needed rest they thought and certain relief

Before they could go any further

Where could they find relief from the oppressive heat

When they could find no comforting shelter

The young man then told his grandfather

Of the one tree that he did see

One that had gnarled branches

That could hold their canopy

How do you think that little tree felt to be used

He who had branches so bent

To be the only tree out of all of them

That could be used to make that tent

So too, with our soldier so tired and worn

Who knows what service he may find

When God reveals His full purpose

And he can still use his excellent mind

There are many of us like that little tree

With limbs and branches askew

But God in His wisdom can always find

Like that little tree, something for us to do.