Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Dear God,

When I arrived home, I stepped into the kitchen looking out the window onto my contemplative garden.  What I witnessed saddened me.  My beautiful serviceberry tree had split.  Half the tree lay on the ground.  Apparently another part of the trunk had fallen earlier and someone had dragged it to the back of our property.  The last part of the tree is leaning and will soon fall.

For years we have enjoyed this beautiful tree but now that I think about it, I realize it was destined to fall when it gained height and width.  It never did have a single trunk secured deeply in the soil.  It was always four trunks growing upward and outward.  When it became too heavy, stormy winds cracked it sending it to the ground.

As I gaze out upon this beloved tree, it speaks to me of spiritual things.  If we are not fully rooted deep in the soil of faith, when life storms strike, we too will be uprooted and left bereft without benefit of spiritual nourishment and living water.  Our roots will be exposed to the elements and our life will slowly ebb away.

On the other hand, if we confidently dig down deep and place our roots there, we will stand secure.  No matter the hardships, obstacles or difficulties, we will weather any storm.  You help us, constantly feeding those tender roots, nourishing us with your own hand.  We do not have to fear or be anxious for your promise of presence, care and love will hold us for eternity.

Thank you

for the gift

of my

serviceberry tree

and the lessons

she has

taught me.

I will miss her

but I

will remember

her message.

Thank you

for faith

that teaches us

in every circumstance.

Love, Andrea