The Hollow Tree

There is something odd about a hollow tree. Much of the time you will have no idea that a tree is hollow until you cut it down or a storm breaks it apart. I’ve read stories of treasure being hidden in hollow trees. I’ve even seen news reports of people getting trapped in a hollow tree. Many people are just like a hollow tree. They stand tall, look strong and capable, and seem to be acting right and looking good until someone or some thing breaks them apart. It could be anger, a traumatic event, a tragedy, or simply falling in with the wrong crowd. That will show the hollowness lurking inside quickly. Some people may not even realize just how hollow they actually are.

A hollow tree has some great qualities as well. Just because it is hollow doesn’t mean that it’s dead or has no value. It can look perfectly fine, full of lush green leaves. It can also provide homes for various woodland creatures like owls, raccoons, birds, even snakes. Turkeys and ducks will roost on its limbs. It will continue to bear fruit in many cases. Once the hollow tree hits the ground it can become fuel for a fire and if left alone it will eventually be taken over by insects and critters till it eventually rots and becomes part of the soil from which it grew.

Unlike the hollow tree, a hollow heart will start to rot quickly and that rot can only be stopped by repentance and the grace and mercy of God’s forgiveness. We must examine ourselves for hollowness and fill ourselves with repentance and the love of Jesus Christ. Think of that hollow place as a dwelling place for Jesus. Let him fill the void. Better yet, let Him hold you in the hollow of his hand. I asked my friend Kathy for a poem and she delivered. Sometimes a rhyme is just what you need to make the story stick.

My Hollow Heart

My heart is like a hollow tree,

With nothing living there.

Though beating, keeping me alive,

It’s more than I can bear.

Oh yes, it feels so heavy,

Dear God how can this be?

If emptiness is living there,

Inside this hollow tree.

My child please listen closely,

This thing I say is true.

Your heart is deceitfully wicked,

Yes, that heart I gave to you.

But once you meet me face to face,

Take up my cross and follow;

Your heart will then be filled with love,

No longer to be hollow.

My Son will fill that dwelling place,

The void will be no longer.

A steadfast spirit and a pure clean heart

Will make your faith much stronger.

Emptiness will be no more,

And this is where you’ll start.

Seek me and you will find me,

When you search me

with your brand-new heart.

Kathy M. Crouch

A hollow log used as a centerpiece.