Shaped, but still standing
Hello,
This week, the UK’s Tree of the Year was announced as the “Bendy Tree,” a 150-year-old wych elm growing on the seafront in County Down. What makes this tree remarkable is not its perfect shape, but quite the opposite. After more than a century of harsh coastal winds, its trunk now grows almost horizontally. Yet despite storms, disease, and redevelopment around it, it remains rooted, alive, and providing shelter and shade to others.
Looking at that tree, I couldn’t help but think of the Christian life.
Most of us begin with an idea of how life ought to unfold. We imagine straight paths, smooth progress, and few setbacks. Yet the reality is often very different. Grief, disappointment, illness, unanswered questions, and unexpected detours leave their mark on us.
The Bible often compares God’s people to trees – “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.” (Psalm 1:3 ESV). The Psalm continues not by promising that the tree will avoid the wind, but instead that it will remain rooted while others blow away. In Jesus Christ, we see the ultimate example of this. The Son of God entered our broken world and experienced rejection, suffering, and death. Yet through his faithful obedience to the Father and in the power of the Spirit, what looked like defeat became the means of salvation for the world.
The winds that shape us need not destroy us. Indeed, by God’s grace, the very struggles that bend us may become the means by which we offer greater shade, compassion, wisdom, and encouragement to others.
In the week ahead, don’t focus on how life’s storms have shaped you. Focus on the One who has kept you standing.
Warm regards,
Gavin.
P.S. Due to licensing restrictions the photo above is not the tree of the year but you can see the real tree here: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/press-centre/2026/10/bendy-tree-wins-uk-tree-of-the-year/
About the Writer:
Gavin Henderson is the National Ministry Leader for GCI in the UK and Ireland.