At the age of seventeen I was asked by a leader to paint a tree for a "Tree of Life" activity she was planning. After prayerful consideration my eyes were opened and I saw this as an opportunity to do more than paint a simple tree. This image is a representation of the inspiration I received. I envisioned a young woman putting forth effort, even to the very end, by stretching upward to obtain her gift, an oversized fruit symbolizing the huge reward God has in store for us. I could see God's face and outstretched arms in the tree, a reminder of His overwhelming love for us, and of the atonement of Jesus Christ which makes the "greatest of all the gifts of God" possible. May this inspire you to continue pressing forward.