There's always been a tree in my
life. Whether it was the tree that shaded our apartment
before we knew about air conditioning. Or whether it was the
tree outside school where everyone would meet. And, then
there are the trees that surround your house. Those that are
like family. They sprout beautiful leaves and flowers for
you to enjoy, they provide beautiful color photos and they grow
big enough for your kids to find play time or comfort time with
their favorite tree.
So, I am presently
contemplating a major decision in my life and I open the
front door and gaze onto a huge tree in the neighbor's
corner yard. The tree is about 150 years tall.
The branches are so thick that each one looks like a
separate tree. And the leaves are so light and,
without effort, flowing with the wind. As I am struck by
this awesome beauty, I say "God, just give me a
sign. Please give me a sign to tell me what to
do." The next day, being extremely pensive
about the subject at hand, I open the front door to again
gaze into the peacefulness of the Mother of all
trees. I open the door and as my eyes anxiously look
for the tree and it's movement, I am aghast!!!
My eyes don't believe what they are seeing. I truly
have to take a deep breath and ask myself if I was
dreaming. The tree, with all of it's strong arms,
had been cut down. Not just cut down, but
slaughtered....hacked. There were open, bare stumps
where once stood strong arms and flowing leaves.
Now, just brown hacked arms. So, I asked God if this
was my sign. And then I chuckled to myself as I
imagined the answer to be "If this isn't a sign,
maybe we have to strike you with lightening!"