Trix's Trees

I have mentioned before how sad I become when winter arrives, stripping our beloved Pin-oak's branches bare. I know it's just a tree, but it's the sight that greets me as I open my curtains each morning and it can uplift or dampen my spirits somewhat. As a child I loved daydreaming - nestled high in my leafy hide-away I would observe the world down below. Did I maybe learn something from that tree? Perhaps from my hidden spot in the sky I was taught a little about the weather, living creatures and the mystery of God and His creation?

A few years ago a neighbour cut down a beautiful, healthy Oak tree! Why? To have a better view of Table Mountain from their second floor. I felt upset by this. I'm sure nature has value in itself just because God created it. I suppose there are reasons to cut down a tree - to build a house or to make a fire - but to just cut it down? Surely a tree is worth more than bark and sap.

At a local school the teachers and children had a special remembrance service when an age old Ilex tree on the premises became sick and died. This is going a bit far and it seems like even us Christians are sometimes getting confused. Like the environmental movements, who, have been joined by the New Age followers getting involved with saving the planet for their own reasons only. Because we love the Lord and that which comes from His hands we should be even more motivated to love and nurture what He has entrusted to us - that was what Adam was instructed to do. We know that the earth won't be our home forever, but God has stamped his identity on everything we see and it's our responsibility and our joy to use it wisely.

Maybe we should be hugging a tree from time to time...I smile to myself.