You are the Branches
This Hobbit tree resides in the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Reserve, not too far from where I live. My husband and I often walk in this beautiful place, exploring the many trails!
This Beech tree is on the Stony Brook Trail within the reserve. The branches of a Beech tree spread out into a large canopy, seeking sunlight in the forest. It is a glorious tree!
Many have visited and made their mark on the tree, either with initials, hearts, or some other sign that they were once there. The tree stands as a testament of time, just by the branches and expanse of its limbs – it's hard to miss!
If this tree attracts so many visitors just to look at its lovely trunk and limbs, think how many more people might be attracted to us, or perhaps something more profound in us – our love.
These past few weeks have been difficult. We lament losses from 911 and from school children praying in church, and for Charlie Kirk, who stood for freedom and open communication and for faith in Jesus Christ. In the face of such loss and evil, we can all consider and reflect on the many ways we too can make a lasting impact in the world, not for ourselves, but for the love we share with others.
This summer - really, these last six months have been a difficult season for me. I have had to work through loss in change - change, watching aging moms and the difficulties this brings. Many of you may be in the same situation. Our moms are getting older, suffering a few falls, and showing age –they are both almost 92! But through it all, their faithfulness can still be seen. Their steadfastness does not fade.
They have made their mark in this world. I am deeply grateful to my mother and mother-in-law, who have both served as teachers, mothers, mentors, prayer warriors, and grandmothers to their families and communities. Their reach has been much like this old Beech tree – their canopy spreads wide for all to see their good works.
Through Jesus Christ in their lives, they have touched the sun and returned that sunshine to those they have taught in school, sung with in the choir, or spoken to in their assisted living facilities. The decades of service have passed, but their branches are well known to all who know them.
Thank you for your faithfulness, Mom and Sally, Charlie, and little children – your branches have reached out in love and touched our souls, and the souls of many others, for now and for eternity.