Friday, August 13, 2010

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.

6 comments:

  1. Hi there!
    I found your blog through my sister, so nice to read your thoughts here. I'll keep checking in from time to time. I'm enjoying the blogging thing myself too!
    We are in CT currently, but almost on our way again - back to another ship this time.
    Many blessings,
    Carlien Govender

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  2. I agree, trees are more than bark and sap. I believe God gave us permission to use the earth and everything in it for our needs but he expects us to be responsible with that right.

    Your post reminded me, for some reason, of my grandpa's house when I was little. He'd built a really neat platform thing in a tree for us to climb up and sit there to read. I loved sitting up there and feeling like I was all alone!

    Hope you have a wonderful day and thanks for your kind comments on my blog. You always have something encouraging to say and I really appreciate that!

    Sarah

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  3. I love reading your blogs Theresa, and especially this one about trees. I also have a thing for trees...they talk to me in so many ways :)

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  4. I loved this blog about trees Theresa. I also have many "tree" memories....some of which i would like to share in a blog of my own one day. :)

    Helene.

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  5. Amen daarop! 'n Boom het soveel simboliek
    en lewe soveel langer as mense op
    die aarde en het soveel stories
    om te vertel--dikwels ook kos vir
    baie mense!

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