monkeypod trees at JAIMS (Japanese American Institute for Management Science)
Good Morning God, It’s the intertwining branches that I love in this photo. They make me think of all the people in our lives – family and friends — and how we intertwine. I love trees. In California I loved the oaks. Here in Hawaii, I love the Monkeypod trees. I love them for the shape of them and their spreading branches reaching out to touch. And their roots touch too!
Just like we are designed to do — reach out and touch others — sharing stories and hearing one another. I wonder if trees talk to each other? When I stand in a grove of Sequoias I am sure they communicate. Well, God, You call the stars by name and aren’t we invited to sing Your praises WITH the Morning Stars? So, perhaps, it isn’t so foolish to think about trees talking.
I have on occasion found myself inviting all the cells in my body to “clap their hands and rejoice” — a good prayer — even if my cells don’t technically have hands. Now, God, I don’t think I have fallen into pantheism. I just think there are more layers to this world than we have been allowed to see. No doubt we are seeing all we can handle. . . actually, probably MORE than we can process. Ah my.
So, then, TODAY? A request for help in PROCESSING? I think of Psalm One — verse three and I would love to apply it to myself: I shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth fruit in season; my leaf also shall not wither . . .
I AM planted by the Rivers of Water — Your Love. And how joyful is the Hope of bringing forth fruit — and having leaves always fresh and not withered — YES! You will notice, God, that I omitted the last phrase about prospering. My culture has made that all about money — and I am pretty sure that the old word meant far more than money. Help us to rediscover, God, the TRUE meaning of prosper! Then, help us to DO IT!
Story teller,
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