February 7th, 2010 Capillary Beauty of Trees
For the first winter ever, I am captivated by the capillary beauty of the trees revealed against the bare blue winter sky. My eyes are drawn irresistably to them as we drive the roads and as I walk the 20+ acres of Son Rise. What strikes me about this new love is that until this year, I always felt a bit of sadness over the nakedness of the trees, the lack of loveliness, the “forlorn” look of winter. But without effort, without warning, what was once ugly is now lovely to me, and stirs new wonder at God and his creation. I look at the trees and smile, involuntarily.
So the teacher in me is looking for the lesson. I do think of things, like how the tiniest branches are the tender new growth, hidden the rest of the year under the tree’s leafy glory — and yet indeed, a great part of that leafy glory.
I think of how very fragile these little spidery veins of wooden life appear, how they are exposed to icy air and storm; yet survive to grow another year. They are stronger than they look. Of course, they have the joy of living closest to the light and warmth of the sun.
I have no big lesson for you, save this: when a new awareness comes, when I have new eyes to see my world, I know the Holy Spirit is at work within me. The Lord has quietly awakened my soul to something he made, something he loves and delights in. When I look in wonder upon the capillary beauty of the trees, thrilling me for no good reason, I am gazing at it with my creator and theirs. Unbidden, he has changed my perspective and enabled me to share his joy; he just couldn’t let me go another winter feeling sad about something he has no sadness for. It is sharing life with God, a sign of his living in me, gentle, powerful, mysteriously quiet so much of the time. In this simple act he has spoken to me many things without saying a single word.
Ponder with me and write to me of your thoughts.
February 7th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
I have always loved winter trees. Autumn is my favorite season because to me, I always envisioned the trees releasing the past year in preparation for a fresh start in the spring. Naked and vulnerable just as we are when we decide to let go of everything and allow God to renew us. They survive the winter by design, as we survive our own winters, by faith.
Thus, I have pondered. Thank you for reminding me I need faith this winter season. I adore winter skies.
~Sharon
February 7th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
One does remember those days when the trees are bare … but life is just folded up in the coming of spring … <…> I sent this on to the Girls of ours!!!