Thursday, March 20, 2014

The Sheltering Tree


I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine - she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights. ~Terri Guillemets


My Mother
The tree beckons, and I realize how much I need its sheltering. Scooting to rest my back against the tree, bark uneven pressing into my back but bringing comfort as its familiarity reaches my heart, I feel my body relax. I am home. Home where I am accepted and loved unconditionally. 

This tree is like "trees along a riverbank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail." The roots are ever deepening in the Father's will and love. 

Listening closely, I hear the rustling of  leaves reminding me to search for beauty, find the special in the everyday, and treasure those I love.

It's a listening tree. I know I'm safe in pouring my heart -- my disappointments, dreams, and even the nonsensical. This tree is interested in the books I'm reading, the new magazine I've discovered, and the decor I've changed.

Eleanor's Mother
I hope when I grow up my tree shelters like Mother's. The two I birthed need a rooted tree to sit under when days are hard. They need a tree when their heart is full of joy. And on the days in endless patterns -- one like the last -- they still need a mother-tree.

And I think of my friend, Eleanor, and wish she could spend some time under her mother's tree. I ask God to shelter her with memories from a Godly mother.

For maybe when the tree is cut and the rings counted, the roots remain in the form of memories. And we graft our own trees to shelter a new generation.
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13 comments:

Beth said...

A very moving post Pamela!

Denise said...

Very heart touching.

Petra said...

Beautiful thoughts and a very moving way with words.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Such a loving tribute, Pam.

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful and touching from top to bottom. Trying to be that mom. We also need to be that mom to those whose moms cannot.Thank you for sharing your heart the way you did!

Esther Joy said...

I'm a tree lover, so this touched my heart!

Saleslady371 said...

Love your thoughts, Pamela. I join you in this goal.

RicKaren said...

Beautiful! I have enjoyed you last few posts so much!

Susan Payton said...

Just blogging around and found your blog. So good to see you here blogging, so many deserted blogs these days. Every blog I visit is like meeting someone new. Thanks for letting me visit.
Susan
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The Dickinsons said...

Very sweet, post, Pam. I too want to be a sheltering tree Mother to the children God has BLESSED me with. =)

Hugs from Argentina!
~Heather~

Ceil said...

Hi Pam! Thank you for sharing the photo of your sheltering tree, your mom. What a special lady! And I know that you will be that kind of shelter for your children too. You have that desire, and I know that God will honor it.

Blessings!
Ceil

Courtney said...

The imagery here is gorgeous. Thank you for making me think of my own mother in this beautiful way. You and your words are a blessing!

Sharon said...

What a beautiful post, Pamela. Tomorrow I am heading down the hill to spend a week with my mom. Though I miss my dad a lot, it's been nice to spend extra time one-on-one with just my mom. She has always been my best friend, and she is also the one who led me to the Lord. Her quiet faith, and constant faithfulness to me, has been such a source of strength in my life.

May the Lord grant me the grace to be a sheltering tree to my sons, and to any and all who come in contact with me.

GOD BLESS!