Tree 1 shook its leaves dreamily, "It’s a beautiful day, don’t you think so?"
Tree 2 nodded, "Yes, it is. The sky is so clear, and the sun is so warm."
Tree 3 sighed contentedly, "You sound so nostalgic. What are you thinking about?"
"We are now big and strong. The woodcutters will come soon to the hill," Tree 2 mused, looking at the horizon with anticipation.
"I wish they turn me into a treasure chest," Tree 1 declared, "I want to be filled with gold, silver, and precious stones. And do you know what? I will be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!"
"Everybody will admire you!" Tree 3 exclaimed.
"I want to sail in the roaring oceans, roam the high seas, and deliver kings and queens safely to their destinations!" Tree 2 shared, its branches swaying with excitement.
"I don’t doubt it. You are strong, and everybody will feel safe with you. You will be the greatest ship in the world," Tree 1 said with admiration.
Tree 1 was chosen first, "Did you hear that? I’m so happy!" it rejoiced, as Woodcutter 1 admired its sturdy trunk.
Tree 2 was next, feeling a thrill of excitement, "Oh yes! I will be a strong ship for mighty kings. Now I will sail mighty waters," it proclaimed as Woodcutter 2 made his choice.
Tree 3 shuddered, "Please, no! I don’t want you to cut me. If you do it, my dream will never come true!" But Woodcutter 3 was indifferent, cutting it down without a second thought.
Tree 1 was transformed into a humble feed box, "Oh, that is not what I wanted to be. I don’t want to be filled with hay for hungry animals!" it lamented.
Tree 2 found itself fashioned into a small fishing boat, "No! I will be too small and weak to sail on an ocean. My dream will never come true," it mourned.
Tree 3 was left in the warehouse, bereft of any purpose, "What happened? All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountaintop and point to God," it despaired.
Tree 1 cradled a special child, "Oh, this baby is special, something tells me that He will be great among men. King of Kings. Now I know that I hold the greatest treasure in the history of mankind," it realized joyfully.
Tree 2 carried a group of men across a stormy lake, one of whom calmed the tempest with a word, "Oh, it’s Jesus. I’m carrying the King of Heaven and Earth! My wish came true!" it celebrated as the waters stilled.
Tree 3 held the cross, "Why are they nailing his hands and feet to me? I feel ugly and cruel!" it wept, but as the cross stood tall, it understood, "Oh, I was strong enough to stand straight on this hill holding the Son of God. This is much better than being the tallest tree in the world. Now people will always remember me and think of God!" it rejoiced, fulfilling its deepest wish.
















