Strong Trees

The summer of 2001 had been a dry summer for much of North America. I reflected on this as I raked more leaves falling from our poplar tree in the middle of August. Many of the falling leaves touched base in our pool adjacent to the trees. More pool cleaning, especially after a wind. Very frustrating. The autumn of 2000, this tree was the last to let go of its leaves--in mid October. How unusual!
  Our 100' poplar tree had the best growing conditions. Planted by a stream, it had lots of available water to sustain thousands of leaves hanging on its branches. Trying to visualize the subterranean root formation it hit me that this poplar tree would not have to form a vast root formation as it usually had plenty of water available at all times. Thus, if a specific drought would hit the tree area, it would most certainly go into a case of shock when there was lack of rain.
   Subsequently, the tree would go into a state of dormancy dropping it's leaves to protect itself. I was also feeling the shock as I raked the leaves for the fourth time in the month of August.
   What kind of tree are we on Earth's landscape? Perhaps we are a lone tree on the prairie, desperately needing the Source to tie into. Maybe we are a small sapling planted in a huge forest and overwhelmed without the canopy of branches that steal all the sunshine and rain. Or perhaps we are also like the poplar tree planted in the best of conditions but without a good root system to assist us when times are difficult.
   Regardless, we all need to properly connect to the Source to live a full abundant life, with leaves reaching to the Sonshine.
   I am reminded of a song composed by the blind musician, Ken Miedema with lyrics that go:

I saw a tree by the riverside, One day as I walked along.
Straight as an arrow pointing to the sky,
Growing tall and strong.
"How do you grow so tall and strong?"
I said to the riverside tree.
This is the song that my tree friend sang to me.
I've got roots growing down to the water,
I've got leaves reaching up to the sunshine
And the fruit that I bear is the sign of Life in me.
I am shade from the hot summer sundown,
I am nest for the birds of the heavens,
I'm becoming what the lord of trees Has blessed me to be,
A strong young tree.

   Trees are a source of beauty either in spring, summer, fall or winter. Yet, they can hold many lessons for us as they try to grow tall and strong. Let us make it our prayer that we can grow to be trees that the Lord of trees has blessed us to be.
    Like in a city of that size I would see our friend from last night right beside me giving me the 'thumbs up' sign. Do I dare say God is so good?
   On Tuesday evening, Sylvia and I discussed the upcoming phone call for she desired to have an answer while at school. We figured something out. At 8:15 the phone call came: We would like to hire you. Are you able to report to work tomorrow?
   I gave them an affirmative answer. Immediately, I phoned the secretary of the school and asked her to give Sylvia a note: I found the music! The concert begins on Thursday, 7:30.
   I am thankful for the prayers and concerns of friends and family.
  The movement in this story of God's faithfulness happens very quickly.
   Not all stories move that quickly but God does provide answers in His own time. When He closes a door, He will always open a window. "God's timing is perfectly exact and exactly perfect," wrote a friend. Daily Wisdom reader, I encouraged you look for open windows when God closes doors.

A suggested prayer:   "Lord of trees, I may be a wintertime tree, or perhaps a tree on the city streets where buildings block the sun. Help me to have lots of roots growing down to living water, with branches and leaves reaching up to the Sonshine. Help me to give joy, to bear fruit, be inviting shade and protection for others around me. May I be a strong tree. I thank you that you are the Lord of trees and Lord of my life. Amen!"


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