Because the message of the Gospel can appeal strongly to human emotion, it is sadly no surprise that many people seem to respond and even claim to be Christians at first, but later fall away.  The seed might spring up and look green for a while.  But if there is no depth in the heart for it to take root, it will surely wither away. A tree is most valuable when it is heavy with ripe fruit, but has a special beauty when it is covered in blossom. At the beginning of our spiritual journey it is like springtime.  We are in bloom, and by the grace and blessing of the Gardener we will bear fruit in old age. Our faith may be weak, but our hearts are warm.