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One Tree

Every time Mother took us for a ride in the car, she had us help her search for the perfect shaded picnic tree by the side of the road. We brought something to drink and a bite to eat with us when we went on our mission to find The Tree! 
In 2012, I drove my husband to his doctor appointment. I saw a tree outside the window while waiting.  Although other trees had lost their leaves, yet this tree still had in its leaves.
I visualized this tree enduring the heat of summer and the cold wind of winter. When I looked again, I realized this tree, created by God, praised God all its days. Silently giving its shade to passersby and a home for birds. This tree bowed in worship as the wind blew its limbs. 
One day I looked at a tree while thinking about color, and saw not green leaves, but shades of green, shadows and light creating a color panorama from yellow to dark green. I realized then how God loves vibrant colors to express His Great Love. A tree greets each day with its arms reaching to its Creator, worshiping and praising Him. How can we do less?
         Six years have passed since I wrote this poem about a tree.  Six years during which I witnessed the passing of my Ed, my husband, for sixty-six years. Slowly the shade drew across his mind. He did not remember me or his children or our grandchildren. The One thing Ed remembered until the last was His love for Jesus Christ.  We spent time in prayer during every visit, talking about Jesus and Heaven.  We listened to hymns and held hands. 
         Our Creator God remembers those who have gone before. We remember their acts of kindnesses, gentleness, and love.  God remembers their hearts. Our loved ones become our bookmarks of love and joy in remembering. 
         I contemplated writing about this poem and looked for scriptures. I found a Psalm by David that captured my heart and mind.  I can see how someone who lives a life of love and giving captured in Psalm One.  Each of us can be like this tree.
         A person, who drinks of the Living Water of Jesus will grow fruit from loving others and serving others as God commands.
            Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law, he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers. (ESV) Psalm 1:1-3.
          Did our Father God know He created trees there would be many uses for the gifts of a tree?  Did He intend us to see a tree as a parable to teach us how deeply our Heavenly Father loves us and to be like a tree in giving to others and serving others?  Our Father God loves us and desires us to be like a tree, giving to others and serving others.  
         Noah and his sons used wood to build the ark and saved their lives.  The manger, built of wood, is where the Savior of our souls lay after being born.
Sweet syrup comes from the Maple trees. The cross Jesus died on was made from a tree. Again, wood is used for the purpose of forgiving and saving us from the results of sin.
         It is when we grow by the stream of Living Water of His Word; we grow to be more like our Heavenly Father who cares for us.  Abraham believed, and his faith was ‘counted to him as righteousness.’  Romans 4:20-21.  No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised.
The last phrase. God was able to do what He had promised is realized as we take a breath, love someone, or have hope in Jesus Christ. Live like these lyrics proclaim and know how much Father God loves you! Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, I shall not be moved….
One Tree
A tree stood on a lonely hill
Its lacey leaves hiding
A hundred scars of life
Hurts and tears that came a-crying.
The tree has endured the wind
And the hot summer sun
Rain and frozen snow.
Its leaves sighing, “When is it done?”
The tree has many friends
Birds resting in its branches
Squirrels play hide and go seek.
A humble abode and not a mansion.
The tree, nameless to many,
Stands alone, anonymously
But its Creator knows and cares
For the tree with lacey leaves gloriously.

                           Emily A. Combs

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