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Our Daily Journey: A 30-Day Walk With JesusSample

Our Daily Journey: A 30-Day Walk With Jesus

DAY 21 OF 30

Paint Your Leaf

In his short story “Leaf by Niggle,” J. R. R. Tolkien describes a kindhearted, perfectionistic painter who failed to complete the landscape that became his life’s work. Because he was kind, Niggle often helped his neighbors rather than work on his painting. And because he fretted over details, he only managed to paint the first leaf on the first tree. He died with apparently little to show for his life. His “one beautiful leaf” was placed in the town museum “and was noticed by a few eyes.”

But when Niggle entered the presence of God, he found a surprise waiting for him. Tolkien writes, “Before him stood the Tree, his Tree, finished . . . its leaves opening, its branches growing and bending in the wind that Niggle had so often felt or guessed, and had so often failed to catch. He gazed at the Tree, and slowly he lifted his arms and opened them wide. ‘It is a gift!’ he said.”

Do you wonder if the things you weren’t able to finish because you were doing good to others possess any value? Paul concludes his long chapter on the resurrection by promising that your works will follow after you. They will result in God’s reward, so “always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

As with Niggle, you may feel that you’ve barely “gotten a leaf out.” But God will incorporate that leaf into His “transformed” creation (vv.51-53). He will fill you with the joy of His presence, surrounded by the most beautiful landscape you could ever imagine. Like a master artist adding depth and color to the squiggles of a child, so God graciously includes our efforts in the world He’s building. So go ahead, paint your leaf! —Mike Wittmer

MORE: Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-15 to learn what will happen to our works that aren’t eternally significant and valuable.

NEXT: What’s your “leaf”? What will motivate you to work diligently on it, regardless of success or failure?

Day 20Day 22

About this Plan

Our Daily Journey: A 30-Day Walk With Jesus

Every journey requires supplies. On the journey of life, some of the best supplies are God’s Word and a bit of encouragement from friends. This Our Daily Journey reading plan features 30 days of writing from trusted authors whose insights speak into your life. Each short devotional contains a story supported by multiple Scripture references as well as a “Next” section to help you think more deeply. Make the most of your devotional time with truth and encouragement from Our Daily Journey.

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