A Lenten Devotion by Joanie White
…it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.
Isaiah 35:2a
Sometimes reading a Lenten Devotion stirs our own memories. After reading Frank Carney’s story about “Tree” last week, Joanie White wrote him this letter, sharing her own memory:
Hi Frank,
I trust this finds you well. I wanted to thank you for sharing your story about “Tree.” I love that this special tree in your yard has such significance that she has a name. We have a magnolia tree in our front yard that I consider special. It was here when we moved in November 1980. That following spring she burst forth in beautiful white/pink tulip shaped blooms.
As a child, there was a monstrous magnolia tree in an empty lot 2 houses down the street from our apartment. I always loved that tree and wanted one for our yard. Much to my dismay my dad wasn’t interested because “they make a mess.” In truth they do but it is such a celebration when this tree blossoms in spring, after a cold stark winter.
That spring when I saw that tree bloom I knew this was the house we were meant to live in. There have been disappointing times, when our tree didn’t bloom, because of bad weather but our tree shows great resilience, as do we at Edwards Church. Our tree continues to bloom in glorious celebration of spring.
May we also bloom with great resilience in our community now and in the coming days. Amen.
Blessings,
Joanie White