A great tree grew on the side of a mountain. Many animals made their home in the tree including a great bald eagle.
One day the earth began to shake. Rocks and boulders came crashing down the mountain.
Many of the animals in the tree fled for their lives pushing and shoving each other out of the way down the mountain.
The earth continued to shake and the tree stayed strong. The eagle stayed in its nest near the top of the tree. The eagle watched as the animals scattered.
He did not speak ill of them. He did not look down upon them as they fled.
He stayed firm in his nest and trusted in the tree and the mountain to stand its ground.
In time the earth settled. The tree remained standing, but the eagle’s branch began to crack. The nest slowly fell to the ground and the eagle took flight.
Without hesitation or even the thought of leaving, the eagle began the work of rebuilding the nest.
Some of the animals returned and others never came to the mountain again.
Those that came back heard no insults from the eagle. He welcomed them openly. He made room for the other birds to return to the many strong branches that remained.
They other animals of the tree looked to him with admiration for the rest of their lives.
“Whoever walks without blame, doing what is right, speaking truth from the heart; Who does not slander with his tongue, does no harm to a friend, never defames a neighbor . . . Whoever acts like this shall never be shaken.”
Psalm 15:2-3,5
Reflection Questions
- What did the eagle say to the many animals that abandoned the tree? Why do you think he welcomed them back?
- How can you keep your faith in God strong when others abandon it?
- Who needs your forgiveness today for anything big or small that they have done?
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