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United Church of Christ | Saxonville, Massachusetts

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A Silent Friend in the Backyard

March 21, 2020 by f.carney

A Lenten Devotion by Frank Carney

For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch will not cease.

Job 14:7

There is a “tree”, a maple tree in our back yard. She’s not a young tree. A strong and tall tree when Ruth and I moved in 46 years earlier. She stands in a 4 foot x 20 foot garden turf fronted by the patio and backboard stockade fence. To distinguish her from other maples boarding the yard, I just call her, “tree.” In late summer she expels a deluge of seedlings which may explain the green community in the neighborhood.

There has developed a relationship between me and “tree”. A couple of years ago a stump next to her that appeared dead, started to sprout a few thin stems. I believe “tree” was providing nourishing nutrients to it. It did not, however, make it to the next season. It was more the nurturing and not the outcome that mattered.

“Tree” continues to provide shaded protection to the hostesses, flowering plants and others that grow in her harborage. It’s under this aegis that makes me aware of her presence while reading under her canopy. On occasions I feel an acknowledging rhythmic tapping on my head from her extended branches with each gentle whispered breeze. Her leafed arms raise up each summer day to the glory of the life giving sun. A shared acknowledgement of God’s presence.

May we lift our arms in praise to the glory of God. Amen.

Filed Under: Lenten Devotional 2020

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