The road to the farm was built between these two oak trees…not just to preserve nature, but because these trees are rumored to be “Anniversary Oaks.” Years ago, Anniversary Oaks were planted in honor of a newly married couple as a symbol of strength and longevity. The roots of an oak tree are deep, and the wood is strong. Oak trees have the ability to withstand even the strongest wind. They bend, but they don’t break, and they live for a very long time where they’re planted…the way marriage is supposed to be when it has good roots.

When oak trees are planted close to one another, it’s important to allow for enough space for each one to grow independently – strong and healthy, but close enough to shield each other from the elements. What a beautiful picture of relationships in life. Whether a marriage, a relationship with a child, or even a close friend, it’s important to have just the right amount of space for each one to grow independently, strong, and healthy, while being close enough to shield and protect….and so it is with the Living God.

Years ago one of the oaks failed to leaf and it succumbed to the journey soon after. There was only a stump left behind where the strong oak once stood. Every once in a while when I drove between them, I’d think about the couple who planted these oaks to symbolize their love and I’d get sad when I thought about how hard it must have been for one to stand on their own without the other. These oak trees were over 100 years old – I don’t know how old the Anniversary couple was – but it’s likely there was one left standing long after the other one succumbed. Today there is only a memory of where those oaks used to stand proud and tall but they still bring a smile to my face when I think about them.

God Almighty knew us before the foundations of the earth, He planted the seed of life in our mother’s womb, He knows every breath we take and He collects every tear we shed in a jar. He is the Master of it all and yet He allows just enough space for us to grow Healthy and Strong in Him. He “planted us” just where we are and He’s there to Protect us and to Shield us from “the elements” all the days of our lives. God doesn’t just sit in the Heavenly realms and orchestrate life, He longs for a Relationship with you with me…one where we learn to stand tall and Strong in His name…just like the Anniversary Oaks.

Give your relationship with Him all that it needs to grow and He’ll be your “Anniversary Oak” for all of eternity…just enough space to allow for Growth and Strength and ALWAYS your Shield.

“For You bless the righteous, O Lord; You cover him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12