The tree is getting older.

With each new year we get older, smarter, wiser and understanding. Like a tree we change with each new season, beautiful and unique in each phase of life. The bark on a tree tells of its time, the weather it had to endure, and the pest or diseases it survived. Just like a tree we bear scars from different battles, struggles, pain we had to endure.

Psa 52:8

Mat 7:17

God likes to compare us to trees. He wants us to be trees that bear fruit. Not spruce trees, or pine trees. Those only bear needles. Sure they are pretty to look at, but to God- he prefers a fruit tree.

Mat 7:19

Mat 12:33

So that when we are really-really old, we wont look like this little tree. I hope each year we grow in beauty, in wisdom, and in love for our Lord and Savior.
"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.