Sunday, June 27, 2021

Dear God,

I had to cut down my beautiful serviceberry tree.  It pained me to take down the 25' hardwood that provided berries, shade and shelter for the birds.  As I sawed, cut the logs and carried them away, I thought of the many years we had enjoyed the stunning view outside our kitchen window.  Tears came to my eyes.

I didn't know the nearly 30-year-old tree was going to fall but I should have.  Early on the tree grew four limbs going in all directions.  The trunk had split.  It was doomed.  I didn't realize it until it was too late.

Although I lost our tree, I did not miss the lesson it taught me.  As long as the tree and its limbs are headed upward together, all will be well.  If they split and find their own way, they will eventually become too heavy and fall.  Life is like that too.  If we move heavenward, reaching for you, we will make it.  Storms may come and rock us.  Problems may strike but if we are of one mind trusting in the one who made us, we will weather any condition that plagues us.  

Holy God,

nothing is lost

on you

or us.

The natural world

can teach us

many lessons.

Forgive us

when we fail

to learn

or fail

to listen

and reach up.

Teach us again,

dear God,

I pray.

Love, Andrea