I was recently cutting out some trails on a small piece of land we own. Most of the land is forested and when finish I hope to have 3-4 meandering trails through the oaks and cedars.
After I cut away the undergrowth and scrub trees, I then go in and attach some crude, homemade trail markers to the trees. I am using short pieces of treated 1 x 2 lumber and 2" deck screws. For the majority of markers, the screws will securely attach the markers to the trees. However every so often, I find the marker will not tighten to the tree.
At first I was perplexed as to why certain trees did not allow the marker to stay secure. Then I realized it was because the bark on some of the trees was so thick that the screws were not long enough to penetrate to the surface below the bark. The screws just kept turning in the crumbling exterior of the tree. These trees were the older, larger trees and practically useless for my purpose.
I wonder how many Christians have grown such a thick, rough layer of bark as to be almost worthless to any new purpose God may have for their lives. Over the years we can become comfortable in our lives and resist any deviation from the routine. Our thick bark shields of from any new revelation or direction from God.
As we grow older, it is imperative we stay open to God's calling and direction. New phases in our lives can bring opportunities to serve God in different ways. Retirement frees up time. Becoming a grandparent is a time for reevaluation of priorities. The death of a spouse leave one wondering, "What now?"
Be sensitive to God's voice during times of life change. Don't allow the bark of growing older to keep us from realizing our full potential in God's kingdom here on earth.
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