Mercy in the trees

I was at a local fuel station recently and noticed these four indigenous hardwood trees, growing right against the perimeter wall of the complex. The roots were lifting the floor and the largest tree had broken into the perimeter wall. The wall had been freshly painted, intentionally leaving space for the tree to break in.

How many people must have advised for these trees to be chopped down to allow for the wall and floor to be unhindered? The fuel storage exhaust pipes were precariously close to the root structure, how many engineers had demanded the trees to be uprooted? I can only imagine, the majority wished these trees down...

I also imagined this one person, probably the most influential key decision maker decreed that these trees were more important than the internal infrastructure, the wall or the floor. They ignored all the "chop-the-tree" campaigners. They sacrificed cost saving suggestions and accepted being called crazy and foolhardy, just to save those trees.

Today, I stood under the biggest of those breezy trees. Four cars ignored sun baked spots and parked under the shade of the same tree, all with their windows open. There was a special breeze blowing from under the tree, with the sound of rustling fresh green leaves and several nesting birds chirping. There was a sense of peace under this tree, amidst the immediate traffic snarl of Nairobi's Ngong Rd mayhem. Here was a small gem.

These indigenous hardwood trees didn't have a chance in the advancing construction boom of Nairobi. In value, they were simply a few days of firewood or a few wooden beams for construction. But someone influential enough saw their value beyond the basic firewood and cost saving, and demanded they not be harmed. They demanded that construction be done "around" them than through them.

Gosh, if that is not a great example of mercy? Imagine against all odds, with all the flaws, warts and misdemeanors; being allowed to grow amidst the constant demands to be cut-down. Someone sees my value and demands that no-one harm me (or you). And in time, we shall serve our purpose, offering aesthetic beauty, a fresh breeze, a nesting home for many. Rest and inspiration to an unexpected many.

That is how we as humans live. Despite our numerous flaws and failings, we are not simply cut-down at the merest of opportunities. We enjoy God's mercy to grow without being cut down, and the potential to offer value for many in the future. Even if we cannot see what that value shall be tomorrow.

I'm certain there are still hot discussions to chop these trees down. I'm sure there are those looking for the slightest change of scenario, a bigger crack in the wall, to suggest finishing the trees. As the trees serve more of their purpose, more people shall enjoy their value and shall campaign for the trees to be saved. Suddenly, the tree is not a nuisance. Nor is it merely firewood. It becomes an example of unwarranted mercy upon mercy; grace and favour.

What an inspiration...