Look to the Future
Grace Andrews of Independence, MO, USA
Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. -Isaiah 41:10
The lovely Crimson King maple tree in our back yard, whose trunk had been struck by lightning in earlier years, slowly began leaning heavily to one side dangerously close to our neighbor’s roof. We were crestfallen as we surveyed it sadly one day, finally concluding we would need advice from a tree service.
When the experienced tree man came to our door, we were sad at his diagnosis and solution. He told us the tree would have to be removed before it did any damage to us or our neighbor. Days later, it was almost unbearable as well as fascinating to watch him work. We expected him to saw the tree down from the trunk. Instead, he climbed high up in the tree and began trimming away the small upper branches. He then removed the larger limbs until only the lower trunk remained which he expertly removed at the tree base. He explained, “On difficult jobs such as this, I always attack the easy parts first. Then the rest of the problem becomes simple to remove.”
We learned so much that day from the tree surgeon. Whenever we are stymied by a tough problem, we think back to that lovely old tree with its bright red and purple leaves in fall, and welcome shade in the summer. The tree which we grew to love served us well for so many years. We still reminisce with pictures of that beautiful tree, but we also appreciate the younger tree we planted in its place offering shade and beauty. We think of the wise tree surgeon who advised, instead of trying to cope with the whole problem at once, try to remember to sort it out into little pieces first.
We are reminded that our loving God strengthens and upholds us every day encouraging us to look to the future and better days ahead with new life.
Prayer Phrase
God bless the spaces between us.
Spiritual Practice
Tears of Compassion
Offer a silent prayer for the gift of God’s compassion. Cup your hands and ask God to make you aware of the suffering that causes the Earth and its inhabitants to groan and weep. Be open to faces or places, sounds or voices, feelings of connection with those who suffer. Imagine catching the tears of those you see and holding them in your hands. Listen for prayer images or words God may give you. Discern any active responses of ministry or healing you sense invited to complete for those who weep.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
