The Legacy of the Bluebonnet and the Oak

The Bluebonnet

If you live in the Texas Hill Country right now, you’re aware of the fact that we’re in the heart of bluebonnet season. This time of year it’s not uncommon to see families taking pictures in the bluebonnets along the side of the road or to encounter random patches of bluebonnets growing on otherwise perfectly manicured lawns. People have even been known to travel great distances just for the chance to catch a glimpse of this blue beauty.

The Mighty Oak

Though the bluebonnets are center stage at this time of year, another fixture of the Texas Hill Country can be found conspicuously hiding in the background – the mighty oak. These majestic oaks usually garner their fair share of attention, but during bluebonnet season, their competition steals the show. One might naturally assume the neglected oaks could become jealous of their little blue friends, but that’s not the case at all. You see, the oaks know a secret.

The Secret of the Oak

The secret the oak knows is that the bluebonnet frenzy will be short-lived because even in perfect weather conditions the bluebonnets will fade away in a matter of weeks. However, the majestic oaks will remain strong season after season, year after year. The lovely bluebonnets may enjoy children frolicking in them for a few weeks each year, but the hearty oak will provide shade, shelter, and entertainment for generations to come, long after the beautiful bluebonnets fade.

Which Legacy Will You Choose?

The legacy of the bluebonnet is quite splendid and glamorous, but it fades away almost as quickly as it comes. On the other hand, the mighty oak remains strong and steady, growing even during times of drought, and standing strong and tall for up to 1000 years in many cases.

It may be a temptation to scoff at anyone that would choose the legacy of the bluebonnet, but many of us are already traveling that path without even realizing where we are headed. We work hard to build up treasures here on earth and then design elaborate estate plans to help us pass those treasures on to the next generation, never considering the fact that all of our worldly fame and fortune will quickly fade just like the delicate bluebonnets.

In contrast, we tend to find ourselves too busy to invest in spiritual pursuits like prayer, Bible study, church attendance, and mission work even though their fruits have the potential of making a positive difference not only in our lives but also in the lives of generations to come. In essence, we are so busy tending to the bluebonnets that we have forgotten to nourish the mighty oaks that will endure long after the bluebonnets are gone. We have forgotten what Jesus taught in Matthew 6:19-21:

 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Challenge for the Week

Take some time this week to pray about and consider where you are on the legacy spectrum. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I so busy tending to the bluebonnets that I am in danger of losing the oaks?
• What are my bluebonnets (things that I am storing up but that will quickly pass away)?
• What are my mighty oaks (things I am spiritually investing in that will make a difference in my life and in the lives of future generations)?
• Am I focused on building an earthly estate or a spiritual legacy?
• What bluebonnets and mighty oaks were left to me by past generations and what effect have they had on my life and the lives of my family members?
• Am I going to choose to nurture my bluebonnets or my mighty oaks? Why? How?

Closing Prayer

Father in Heaven, we thank You for temporary blessings like the beauty of the bluebonnets that we enjoy here on earth but ask that You help us not forget the mighty oaks that we also need to be nourishing in our lives. Please help us evaluate our possessions, careers, and time through Your eternal lenses. We ask You to show us how to invest in things that will make a spiritual difference in our families for generations to come. Most of all, we thank You for making us Your sons and daughters through the blood of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I pray that this post has resonated with you because this is such an important topic but one we tend to neglect. I will be sharing ways to help develop a spiritual legacy plan over the next several weeks. Please be sure to complete the challenges since the concepts will build on one another. I will also be sharing short Facebook videos each Tuesday to accompany that week’s post. As always, I would love to hear your feedback. Have a blessed week!     –Dawn

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  -2 Corinthians 4:18

If you missed the introductory post for this series, you can access it here.