Surrounded

Today on my drive in to work I saw, for the first time, the many trees on my route. There are so many trees. There is at least one tree in every yard I passed, many yards have several trees. There are big trees, little trees, sparse trees (it is fall after all), full and lush trees (go figure?). There are evergreens of many species. There are dead and dying trees and hardy, healthy trees. There are baby trees popping up that were seeded naturally. There are maturing trees being planted in entrances to neighborhoods. There are just so many trees.

God began to review with me the many trees. I thought about the places I’d visited and lived in my life and the various trees you will find that represent that region. I thought of the beautifully ‘sad’ weeping willows of the Deep South (one of my favorite trees). I thought of the cottonwood trees with their annoying seeds (at least when they fall in your yard). I thought of the ‘mighty oak’ trees that live so long and represent strength. I thought about the aspens of Colorado that offer a colorful show each fall. There are just so many trees around us.

While I’m no tree-scientist though I did take botany in college and learned the importance of trees in our existence and not just for their beauty. I thought about how God used trees from the very beginning of creation.

It’s amazing how fast the mind can work. All these thoughts occurred within a 10 minute drive to work. Imagine if I were living in L.A. and the commute were much longer, though I imagine my thoughts would probably be less civil while sitting in that horrendous traffic.

“Where does all this tree-talk head?” You may wonder.

Aside from the reminder that this weekend my all-time favorite tree goes up with as many lights and adornments it can hold on it’s little branches…for me it was also a redirection from a thought process that was headed to an abyss. I am still healing from last week’s pain; and God, in His infinite wisdom and love, pulled my mind from the darkness it was headed and back to His creation, His hand, His love!

Thank God for the realization that I’m covered and protected…I’m surrounded by trees.

Remember to appreciate the natural beauties God offers us each day and have a day among treetops!