Are there any tree climbers out there? Luke 19:1-10 records the story of Zaccheus' move up the trunk.

Climbing trees did not happen every day in Zaccheus' life but this day it was necessary. Not only could he see Jesus from the height of the tree but his nest made him visible as well. As Jesus looked up and saw him he said, "Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house." Thirteen words spoken by the master took only seconds to speak. Fortunately Zaccheus responded to Jesus’ instruction and he entered the discussion. Verse 8 says And Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much."

Notice how his selfish interests came full circle during that short conversation with Jesus. It was worth all the effort of skinned shins for he never lived the same way after that.

You may not have to climb a tree to get into a life changing conversation, for they often happen unexpectedly, but it's good to be on the watch for those words that can change your life.

An old Chinese proverb states: A single conversation across the table from a wise person is worth a month's study of books.

Even though it wasn't table talk for the wee man and Jesus, I'm sure Zaccheus would agree with that proverb.

When have you had a conversation that changed your life? Was it unexpected?

~ Ruth