Good evening. Today I want to talk about something I really like: bonsai.

When people look at a bonsai, they may see only a small tree.

But I see something more.

I see patience, care, growth, and purpose.

A bonsai does not become beautiful in one day.

It needs time.

It needs water, light, and care.

Some branches need a new direction.

Other branches need to be cut.

And this teaches me something important about my life.

Sometimes I want to change very fast.

I want answers now.

I want to understand everything.

But God often works with us little by little.

In Isaiah 64:8, we learn that we are the clay, and the Lord is the potter.

I really like this scripture.

It reminds me that I need to be moldable in the hands of God.

Sometimes I have my own plans.

I think I know the best way.

But God can see things that I cannot see.

In Proverbs 3:5, we learn to trust in the Lord with all our heart.

Another important part of bonsai is pruning.

Sometimes a branch needs to be cut so the tree can grow better.

In John 15, Jesus teaches that a branch is cared for so it can give more fruit.

Sometimes God also helps us remove things from our lives.

Maybe a bad habit.

Maybe a wrong attitude.

Maybe something that is stopping our growth.

We may not understand everything now.

But God can see the whole tree.

We often see only one branch.

Bonsai also teaches me about roots.

The strongest part of a tree is not always what people can see.

Our prayers, the scriptures, and our faith in Jesus Christ are like roots.

They help us stay strong.

When I look at a bonsai, I remember that I do not need to be perfect today.

I only need to keep growing.

Little by little.

With patience.

With faith.

And always trusting in the hands of the Lord.

God does not see only who I am today.

He sees who I can become.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

(by Brendon Christófano)