Saturday, May 6, 2017

Dear God,

The sweet yellow magnolia tree planted last summer made it through the very harsh Maine winter.  However, there are three branches that were torn, laying near the ground.  Someone said the plow hit it.  Maybe so.  On the other hand, it could have been the ice and snow that weighed heavy on the branches.  As I look out the window what I see is a young tree standing tall with seven buds just waiting for the sun's warmth to draw them out, unfurl them, and stretch out with great, colorful beauty.

The tree tells its own story, of cold, burden, and injury.  Yet, it also displays its strength and endurance.  Its wounds, at least its scars, will forever remain after we pruned the broken branches.  But it will continue to grow, offering its gorgeous petals as a reminder of its ability to overcome the most difficult circumstances.

The magnolia challenges me as it stands just a few feet away from our kitchen window.  It knocks at the door of my own soul nudging me to remember that although we may face hard times, great burdens, and painful losses, we have all the resources we need to recover, heal, and grow.  The power that enables the tree to stand tall, lift up its branches, and show its amazing color is the same power that empowers us to do the same.

Holy God,
creator of all that is,
thank you
for the blessing
of the
yellow magnolia.
Thank you
for her tenacity
and determination.
Thank you
for the lesson.

Love, Andrea