Today I went on a walk. Most days I go on a walk it’s a good
idea. This was no exception. I walked up the hill, jumped in a few
scattered puddles, and then tread down the other side. Strangely, I had not been this way before. I
cantered nearly the bottom where it begins to taper off and become flatter and
then I somehow knew that I would take a right because something was around the
corner. So I walked on, and lo and behold,
there was a small grove of willow trees.
I have a fondness for willow trees
born out of childhood. It probably began
when I was a little girl and my family would take an occasional stroll down by
the Minnehaha Parkway. My parents were
no arborists but there were a few willow trees and I think I asked what they
were and found out their name. I was
drawn to them because of their resemblance to some prehistoric tree as well
because at the time “The Land Before Time” was my favorite movie. I loved that I knew what they were called. Who can’t identify a willow tree after they
have been shown one?
Anyhow, back in Mankato, fast
forward 20 some years; I climbed down a little hill to get under the grove of
willow trees and waded through the water standing there from today’s rainfall. It was a little swampy but I didn’t
mind. I had set out to go “puddle
jumping” anyway. I was mesmerized by the
cool beauty of the place enveloped by a lacey fringe of willow branches. I saw that the trees were just about the
right height for climbing and so in about three minutes I was up on the bow of
the tree as if it were a ship. My rain
boots slipped a little but I held steady.
As I looked around I felt my thoughts coalescing, shifting, forming and
my spirit was held by the Spirit of God.
I realized that I could just sit there and be. I could just be in that little world. Even though the highway was not far away and
a house backed up to this grove, somehow I felt sheltered and I could worship. Yes, I am a tree hugger (and a God lover). The Creation has marveled me since I was young. The strength and stability of trees is
something so lovely. I am grateful for clarity found in nature. I am grateful to God for trees and the
Outside that brings me Inside.
