The Outside brings you Inside

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.