For years the tree grew up in the north woods of Wisconsin. It grew tall and stretched toward the sky. It was free. It declared the creators touch from the leaves that grew, to the acorns that fell and the rings inside the trunk that told how long it had been free. And then 2011 hit. A storm like few had seen before up this far north. Tornadoes ripped through large forests uprooting the 50 year old trees and leaving them strewn like toothpicks. There was a cost to the storm: the life of the tree. No longer growing. No longer stretching to the sky. No longer free to sway in the wind. Now toppled amid other trees waiting for the animals of the forest to stake the tree as their tree. For many years the tree would be a slowly forming habitat of birds, critters and bugs. And then people would come to clean up the woods. The tree was sawn, hauled and then split. While lying in a pile of nearly stacked wood one would wonder if the tree had through it had lost all usefulness. Trees don’t usually dream of becoming a log in a pile to go to the cabin fireplace. But today as I enjoyed the warmth and beauty of the fire I was reminded, God created a world that lives off each other. His creation depends on the cycle of life God set in order. What a magnificent plan. And as I sit and warm myself and watch this log become fiery ash I realize I too has more in me that simply waving tall in the forest. For when I am no longer able to stand tall, I can still be a mentor, an encourager, a helper just as the fallen tree became a habitat for others. And even in being burned up, the log was still blessing someone. When I tho know am useless and my life doesn’t have meaning anymore, may I be reminded of the tree. And even the ashes of the fire, will be scattered to provide nourishment for spring flowers. Let me never think what I am using was free without cost and may I never think my life is over because change happens. Look to see where God is placing me and find a need and fill it. Maybe a habitat, maybe a deck , maybe a decoration or maybe a log for the fire.
Special Touch Ministry 
You are like that tree.Your branches have spread out all over the U.S. And the leaves of your words have spread over many lawns,Hopefully, your seeds will have a fast growing period and spread quickly..even slowly will do. Our Bible Study group has stayed together and are spreading their leaves bu keeping in touch, calling,emailing, notes.Dee was going crazy without books, so I just drove her some over.glad to see her still at home but not looking well. Please remember her in your prayers. Thanks for the disc.Haven’t had time to listen to all ,sewing face masks all day. But let me know when Cowboy Church resumes.
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Beautifully & thoughtfully said. Thank you—we needed these thoughts especially in today’s situation. As Ann”elderly” person we sometimes forget we are still here for a purpose—or else the Lord would have taken us home. May we always be searching for it Blessings & peace .
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