Methodical Trees

I recently took some time to sit on my deck on a beautiful day staring at the woods which line my backyard. Even my sweet puppy dog, Ruby girl, decided to join me on the deck to soak up some of the sun rays. I recently rearranged my deck furniture so that all of the seats face the woods instead of having our backs to the trees. Why would we not take the time to enjoy the scenery that is right on our property? Rearranging the furniture makes perfect sense. If any of you really know me, you know how much I rearrange furniture to freshen up a space. The truth be known, it helps to relieve my stress. It is very therapeutic and calming. Rearranging gives a fresh outlook in my life and could also be viewed as a distraction from whatever is currently nagging at me. All that said, trees are interesting in what they behold and how they change from night to day. I’m now content with how I rearranged my deck furniture and that I have the chance to experience time with the Godhead while enjoying His nature.

As I look at the trees blowing in the summer breezes I feel the troubles of the day start to melt away. Have you ever watched the leaves and branches move in unison as the wind blows through them? The limbs bend back and forth according to the strength of the wind. They dance in sections perfectly orchestrated. With the slowing of the wind, the branches slow their movements and settle back to their original positions. The lasting bit of breeze blows the leaves into a gentle soft flowing wave. The wind reminds me of the Holy Spirt blowing in the much needed refreshing breaths to revitalize, regenerate, and restore our spirits.

John 3:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

As I watch this methodical movement of the dancing, rhythmic waving of the trees, it reminds me of God patting His children gently on the head and saying, I have this, do not worry any longer, you will be ok. Trust in me. Nothing is too big for me to handle. I love hearing from God through nature. It is when I least expect it, when I become still or free of distractions. This is when He can grab my attention with the simple things in life to comfort and reassure me.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 New International Version (NIV)

Praise to the God of All Comfort

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

After watching this gift of nature as I see it from our Creator, the next phase of healing and strength becomes evident. Jesus is here! My worries or troubles are erased and washed away. The overwhelming feeling of confidence that everything is being taken care of and that I am loved. I do matter, I am worth it, and I am ok.

Psalm 52:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.

It appears to me that my four legged friend, Ruby girl, has finished her sun bathing and that also means that I need to get back to reality. My precious time with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is finished for now. At least until evening time. Have you ever stared at the trees at night time on a warm summer night? It is the pièce de résistance to the end of a summer day! The activities of the day have settled down and the tweeting of the birds have become quiet. The chirping of the crickets grow louder. Night life in the woods becomes mysterious and almost scary until the lightening bugs or fireflies illuminate the trees. It is the most magnificent light show ever! The hotter the evening the more lights in the trees I see. Some fly around like shooting stars. One of God’s natural fireworks are displayed. A gift to treasure.

James 1:17-18 The Message (MSG) 16-18 So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures.

My prayer for all of you is to enjoy the nature that God has created for all of us. Connect with God by letting Him speak to you through your everyday experiences and trust in the unexpected gifts from Him. Allow the wind to blow healing into your life and restore your body, soul and spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.