As I opened my curtains this morning, I was greeted by my new baby tree. An “Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly’ Japanese Maple to be exact, it replaces my glorious Japanese Red Maple that our recent ice storm killed.
I have mourned the loss of my red maple as in every season, its leaves would take on different hues, and the street light hit it just right so, at times, it appeared to glow. It wore raindrops like glistening jewels and danced ever so graceful in the breezes passing by.
As in life, seasons come and go, friends come and go, the tide comes in and goes back out, night becomes day and day becomes night. It’s the circle of life.
So, now my view has changed! I see a young tree whose rooting was taken out of a big black pot and buried in the ground where they can stretch and plant themselves. I can daily watch the branches relax and spread out. I can delight in its delicate leaves that gently flutter and reach up towards the sun as it grows.
As I was smiling at my new tree this morning, quietly making itself at home and appearing very happy. I was reminded of how we are instructed to put our roots in the Lord where we can be grounded.
Ephesians 3:17 NLT “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”
Psalm 1:3 NLT “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
Spring is here, and there is new birth everywhere! How about you? Are you born again? Are your roots firmly planted in the Lord? Are you being fed and watered every day? The time is now!
Dear Lord, I pray to you this morning that you would fill me full of your newness. That you would feed me with your word and Holy Spirit. That I may drink from the well of your life. To live because of your blood that was shed on the cross, on my behalf. I wish to have my roots planted deeply in you so that when the storm winds blow, I will withstand them. I thank you for your love and guidance in my life. In your glorious name Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen
Go out and enjoy your day, listen to the birds singing, smell the fresh air, slow down enough to enjoy the nature around you… it’s everywhere. You just have to take the time to look.
Be blessed, be a blessing…and as always, thank you for joining me. 🥰
Sunshine On My Shoulder 