A Lenten Devotion by Norma Hart
Then God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on the earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.” And it was so.
Genesis 1: 11
Once upon a time before 1960, where my street and its houses now stand, there was a lovely apple orchard. Our house was one of the fortunate ones to still have one of those beautiful trees in its front yard next to the driveway. In the spring it held sweet pink and white blossoms, in the summer it provided cool shade, and in the fall there were the apples that became delicious apple sauce. A mockingbird sang to us early each morning from its highest branch.
When our children were young we hung an old car tire and other thick ropes to its branches. All the children in the neighborhood hung out under that apple tree. They climbed the tree, swung on the tire and ropes, ran around and played games. They talked and laughed and became good friends. It was a favorite meeting place for a long time.
Then of course the children grew up, moved on, and no longer hung out under that tree. One day that beautiful old tree was blown over during a very windy storm. I still mourn that tree. It had become more than just an old apple tree to me. It was beautiful and strong and gave us so many happy memories, not to mention all the apples. I like to think that where that sweet tree stood was a sacred place.
Creator God, thank you for giving us trees which bear fruit, give us shade, and become sacred places in our lives.