What's so fascinating about watching something destroyed

Today at work, a tree came down from out in front of our office building. All of us in the office were so fascinating with watching this big tree come down... branch by branch, log by log falling to the ground. Over the holiday weekend, we had some windy weather that apparently broke one of the longer branches, which was sitting atop our building... but still attached to the tree.

Apparently, they are taking the entire tree out due to rotting going on in the wood. We all figured they'd just trim the branches... not take out the entire tree.

It got me thinking... how we as humans, like to watch things being destroyed. Guyslove their car chase movies where there's a dozen or more cars that get totaled in a pile-up. Even I must confess, that I do enjoy watching bad guys get beat up in movies... especially if its a girl beatin' the guys up! That's Girl Power!! You go girl!!

There's that sense of justice being served when someone gets what they deserve. i.e. the times I've had drivers race pass me on the freeway, weave in & out of traffic, and I wonder... 'where is a copy when you need one?' (I'm sure that only happens in California, right??) :-) Then down the road a mile or two, I see them pulled over on the side of the road with cop behind them, writing them a ticket. That's sweet justice!

I'm so glad that God grants us the grace and compassion not to give us what we deserve. I'm reminded of the passage in the Bible that talks about us becoming a new creation - "the old has gone, and the new has come." In this Fall season, when the leaves are changing colors, and falling from their branches - and knowing that new ones will grow in it's place with colorful blooms come Spring time, I know this verse is so true! God cuts away our old past, our old sins, and renews us! Like a potter with his clay, God shapes us into something beautiful that He can use for His will.

So, in front of office, only a stump remains. In time, it will become a beautiful tree again, providing shade for us and will shelter us from the wind & rain. Until then, we watch it grow and sprout new life from its foundation which is grounded deep.

Has God been pruning you lately?