Treehouse

The General Sherman Tree is the largest tree by volume in the world. It weighs 1,400 tons and is 2,200 years old! The reason this species lives so long is its bark; the tree's bark is fire-resistant—a powerful weapon in an environment where forest fires are a common occurrence. Do you still remember how much fun we had climbing trees? It feels like yesterday. That challenge to climb as high as possible... but then came the descent, which wasn't quite as easy, was it?
Then there was the treehouse—by far my favorite. You could hide away there when you knew a hiding was waiting because you’d been up to no good.
Have you ever tried to hide in your "Problem Treehouse"? That place where only you and your pain, your anxiety, and your worries have a conversation with one another. Are you actually playing hide-and-seek with yourself, or what do I mean? You imagine your life is fire-resistant like that tree—that you can handle everything yourself. You wear a mask painted with a smile, but back at the ranch...?

Let’s face it, you can only pretend for so long. Eventually, your tears of pain and your sweat of anxiety begin to wash away that painted smile. Jesus sweated blood and tears flowed while He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. But do you see the difference? He didn't hide away in a Problem Treehouse. No, He spoke with God His Father. Luke 22:44: "And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." Rather, climb your General Sherman Tree. Climb all the way to the top where Jesus can see you, there in your General Sherman treehouse, and talk to Him! Tell Him everything, and wait in silence for His voice. Remember, your General Sherman Tree is strong; no storm can blow it over, because Jesus is the roots.