This tree lives across my street and the weather behind it is indicative of this spring...gloomy. This spring, I am watching this tree everyday for the life that is sprouting from it because this spring that life represents hope in a very personal way. The neighbor who lived in that house passed away on Good Friday, which was also her birthday. Her life and her presence made an impact here that is heavily felt as loss. She remodeled her yard, paid big money to landscape 3 years ago, because as she said, "why not!" she paid extra for this tree to be a bigger, more mature version of itself so that in 3 years {rather than 10} it would be a stunner. That year is here and she isn't here to enjoy the budding branches. But I am. It is hard to be left behind with memories and an ache in my heart. This sweet neighbor may have accepted Jesus in the last minutes of her life, she may be dancing in heaven right now with beautiful spring unfolding in perfection...can you even imagine it?Regardless of the weather that is ushering this next season, those branches continue to produce green buds that are beginning to unfurl their beauty. I am so grateful for the small quiet gifts of beauty that God gives us in this imperfect world, rememberances of grace and a foretaste of the majesty to come.
I pretty much tell your story of your visit with Liz to anyone who will listen. I think you should tell it here on your blog. It was so encouraging for me to hear of your and Jenessa's love and obedience.
ReplyDeleteYes, thank you Angie. It is so good to be faithful to the message we've been entrusted with. I do think I'll share the story in coming posts...thank you for your encouragement.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad you posted this!
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