The Tree

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

How is it that you can pass by something many times without ever noticing it? I mean, really noticing it? Such was the case when my sister and I passed by this oak tree which is located in my hometown.

For many years, this majestic tree has been on the campus of the elementary school I attended as a child. Perhaps it’s the freshness of the tree or it’s perfect shape that caught my eye as we passed by. It’s waking up from winter and in the beginning stages of showing off. It is called Bicentennial Oak with the marker underneath dated 1976. Couldn’t let the opportunity go by without stopping to get a picture.

Soon after seeing Bicentennial Oak, I began thinking of the poem, “Trees”, by Joyce Kilmer. I memorized it as a young student in school. It still speaks volumes to me. I love Spring and the many colors vibrantly sending a message that there’s new life on the way. Azaleas, dogwood, redbud, fruit trees, and others are all around. Seeing them makes me smile, knowing we have a loving Heavenly Father who was careful with every little detail when He created the world and it’s inhabitants.

Why not take time to enjoy the season and be reminded of how much you are loved by your Heavenly Father today and every day.

Trees

Joyce Kilmer – 1886-1918

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the sweet earth’s flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.