It was a rich and serene forest on a hillside. Three saplings were knee high and grew fast. Near them was ample water flowing from rivulet.

In time, the saplings became short trees. They knew that soon, lumberman would come to cut them for some purpose.

They talked about their fate. All wanted to be the best and the loftiest.

The first dreamt, “I want to be cut and be made the best and most elegant bed in the world. It would be fit for a king. So fine a piece of furniture all would revere it.”

The second expressed his desire, “I want to be cut and be made the greatest and biggest ship in the world. It would be fit for a master. So huge people would follow me.”

The third prophesied, “I will be cut and be made into tallest building. I would be fit for the highest. So magnificent that men and women will look up to me.”

Year later, each of the three grew to be sturdy and strong. Lumberman came and felled them.

The first tree was not made into the best and most elegant bed. Instead it was converted into a makeshift feeding through in a dinghy stable. But the trough was covered with straw and became the manger on which the Holy Baby was born. It became fit for the King of kings. And today people revere that bed.

The second tree was not made into greatest and biggest ship. Instead it was converted into a small rickety boat. It was only fit for illiterate fisherman. But the boat was used by the Man from From Galilee as fishers of man. It became fir for the Master. And today people follow Him.

The Third tree was not made into the tallest building. Instead it was made into rugged cross. It was only fir for criminals. But the Christ was nailed on it and became the symbol of death and resurrection. It became fit for the Highest. And today as the cross points skyward, people look up to it with reverence and hope.

-Sen. Juan Flavier
Barrio Breeze