A Lenten Devotion by Mary Memmott
For there is hope for a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its shoots will not cease.”
Job 14:7
Today’s Lenten devotional is a memory and a mystery. In fall 2010 Grace and Edwards churches worked together as part of our “Earthcare” effort to plant 3 trees in Framingham — two at Cushing park, and one by the McAuliffe library. It was a beautiful day and a joyful event. The town of Framingham helped with equipment and manpower, my daughter Amelia (now 19, then just 9) was there in one of her favorite colorful outfits, Laura Beck rode her bike, and everyone helped shovel dirt for the new trees.
But sometime this year the pin oak we planted in front of the old McAuliffe branch library on Nicholas Road disappeared. It looks like it was dug up and moved to make room for a driveway, not just cut down. I have been meaning to call the city to find out if anyone knows where it is, but with the current state of emergency I haven’t wanted to bother.
So I guess for this week’s Lenten devotional I’m asking for prayers for a tree that was planted with care a decade ago — that it has not been cut down, and wherever it is replanted that its shoots will not cease.
And if anyone finds out what has happened to this tree, please let me know!