Let's "Grow A Little New Wood"

The story is told that when the great poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was well along in years, his head was white as snow, but his cheeks were as red as a rose. An ardent admirer asked him how it was the he was able to keep so vigorous and write so beautifully.

Pointing to a blooming apple tree nearby, he replied, “That tree is very old, but I never saw prettier blossoms on it than it now bears. That tree grows new wood each year (see tree cycle). Like that apple tree, I try to grow a little new wood each year” (scroll down to middle of page).

Dear reader, let’s have the same mindset as Mr. Longfellow. There’s no question that we will continue to grow older (2 Corinthians 4:14-16), but as we grow older, we can also “grow a little new wood” in order to keep on blossoming until our life draws to a close (Psalm 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:6-8).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets