Wednesday, October 4, 2006

Dear God,

There is a tree named Beautiful. She grows at the edge of the road in Eagle Creek Park. Years ago I noticed her for the first time. Before that she was just one tree among thousands.

I think it was Fall when my eyes caught her beauty. Radiant red leaves against green that had not yet turned. Her bark was dark brown, stately. She was beautiful.

I watched her leaves turn, and later fall to the ground. With the winter winds they were swept away. She stood naked to the world, her roots taking in nourishment for the work of Spring.

She was the first tree to bud, to exchange colors, to give up her leaves. I began to watch her every day as I crossed the bridge going to and from work. Admiring the majestic quality of her branches I would call out to her, "Hello, Beautiful!"

Most people never name a tree, much less talk to it. But I learned long ago to appreciate what was around me. My relationship to the universe is important to me. We are connected together, she and I. And my affection for creation adds to the positive energy in the world; therefore, what I contribute does make a difference somewhere, somehow, some way.

I remember the day of the great pruning. Beautiful had grown so tall. She was a perfect example of symmetry. But her limbs were jutting out, laying across electrical wires. The truck pulled up, the electric shears purring; they went to work cutting out the heart of the upper tree. I recall the moment I saw her. I felt such sadness and pain. I could not imagine the trauma she must have felt. From the road it looked as if the cutter made a giant L.

That was a few years ago. She was the only one cut back so hard. Her L remains. She does not hold that original beauty I once witnessed. However, the thankfulness I feel for her continues.

I'm not sure why I have been drawn to this part of the cosmos. But clearly we have a connection. Perhaps it is because she is courageous, the first to do her part each season. Maybe it is because she holds some mystical secret or shares her magic. I just don't know. I do know that I love her.

We are all one,
dear God.
You have made us one
with the created order.
We are designed to love one another.
You have put love in my heart
for Beautiful.
You gave me the privilege
of naming her.
I think she likes her name.
It may be possible that our connection
is a sacred one.
I believe she draws me to you.
In her I see you.
I see your beauty,
your love,
your majesty,
your peace.
I am hopeful.
I know you are a tangible presence
in the world
and I am always inspired.
Today I reflect on your many gifts
and give thanks.

Love, Andrea