In His Likeness

Bonsai is the fascinating Japanese art of shaping trees into miniature works of art. Tiny trees are potted, then trimmed, wired, and slowly formed into stunning displays. The process is not weeks or months, but years. Long years, patient years. It requires an artistic touch, understanding form, balance, and negative space. The gardener must understand the tree--diseases, light requirements, fertilizer. The gardener must also know how to bend the branches and know how much the tree can take. The gardener already sees in his or her mind what this tree can truly look like at its maturation. It's not for the faint of heart, nor the hurried. As a gardener, I admire the skill of master gardeners who painstakingly create such beauty.

The photos bear out the long process from the 10 year-old azalea on the left to the mature trees below that are 50 years or more.

I can't help but compare these intricate works of gardening art to the patient tending of the Master Gardener, who desires to shape our hearts and lives into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. His tools are trials and blessings to transform our minds, our desires, and our actions. He sees what we can truly be under His tender care. Are you willing to be transformed?




Photos by: E. Morse

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:3-4

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!” Psalm 92:12-15

May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:11