writing and photos by June Friesen
note from Godspacelight: apologies for the untimely post-Arbor Day posting
“The origins of Arbor Day date back to the early 1870s in Nebraska City, . A journalist by the name of Julius Sterling Morton moved to the state with his wife, Caroline, in 1854, a little more than 10 years before Nebraska gained its statehood in 1867. The couple purchased 160 acres in Nebraska City and planted a wide variety of trees and shrubs in what was a primarily a flat stretch of desolate plain.” (History.com editors)
On January 7, 1872, Morton proposed a day that would encourage all Nebraskans to plant trees in their community. The agriculture board agreed, and after some back-and-forth about the title—the event was originally going to be called “Sylvan Day” in reference to forest trees—Morton convinced everyone that the day should reflect the appreciation of all trees, and “Arbor Day” was born. (History of Arbor Day by History.com)
Genesis 1:
11-13 God spoke: “Earth, green up! Grow all varieties of seed-bearing plants, every sort of fruit-bearing tree.”
And there it was.
Earth produced green seed-bearing plants, all varieties, and fruit-bearing trees of all sorts.
God saw that it was good.
It was evening, it was morning—Day Three.
Genesis 2:8
Then God planted a garden in Eden, in the east. He put the Man he had just made in it. God made all kinds of trees grow from the ground, trees beautiful to look at and good to eat.
Trees have been a part of nature that I have loved since I was a young child. As I was researching about Arbor Day I remembered that as a child there had been mention of it in my school from time to time. Then I remembered how there were at times trees planted on this day. The creativity of God as He made trees – (well as He made any thing in creation for that matter) – His creativity knew no limits. There is so much variety in the shapes of the trees as well as leaves, fruit, nuts and seeds produced by trees, flowers that bloom on some of them, the outer bark, the color, texture and strength of the wood itself. I could go on however I challenge you instead to take some time and maybe take a walk and observe all the differences as well as similarities in the trees you pass by.
A STORY
By Mr. Tree
Good day my friend,
Welcome to my spacious umbrella –
An umbrella of branches –
But not only branches – as you see
They are gracefully holding
Shimmering, beautifully shaped leaves.
Please take time to pause a moment –
And if you care
Why not sit at my feet –
Lean back and let go –
Let go of the stress and strain
That are holding your muscles in knots –
Release those knots into my being –
You see – I know exactly how to embrace them
And oh what a beautiful display they can be
When I at last serve my life purpose
And become someone’s table or chair.
Oh yes, my friend I feel you releasing –
I am taking them –
One, two,…three,….
There now you should feel so free –
Free to stretch tall –
Free to relax now and just be –
Be …. Free …. Ahhh…..
(Deep Breath)
God, what a wonder there is arising within my being as I have let go and released those knots. What will You now create with them in the wonder of Your creation ‘the tree?’ Please make of the knots ‘beauty spots’ – special gifts of beauty rather than holes that emphasize weakness rather than healing. God I am thankful for the gift of trees. I am thankful for the gift of hope, strength and healing the trees yield to myself as well as others. And God as the trees embrace the cycles of life whether spring, summer, autumn or winter I pray that You will remind us as well to embrace the cycles of life with our spirit. For some of us we see new beginnings of spring around our lives in the birth of children and the birth of new beginnings, journeys, education and jobs. For some of us we are in the summer time of growing and maturing as we teach and encourage others in how to embrace their lives in the moment. For some of us we are the autumn time and we are shedding and letting some things die or go to rest as we also allow our being to rest from the growing push. For some of us we are now entering a time of winter rest – a time to allow others to begin to enter their springtime – a time for us to realize that our nuture is needed at times so they too can now begin the process – of spring, summer, fall and winter – and so the cycle will go and grow and repeat itself in a perfectly natural rhythm created by God. Amen.
Spirituality of Gardening – A virtual retreat THIS SATURDAY
On May 11 from 9:30-12:30 pm PT (check my timezone) We will discuss connections between community, spirituality and gardening. Explore the wonderful ways that God and God’s story are revealed through the rhythms of planting, growing and harvesting as well as the beauty of nature. This webinar is for anyone who admires the beauty of God’s good creation, likes to walk in nature, sit by the ocean or just relax and listen to the birds in the trees. It is based on Christine Sine’s popular book, To Garden with God and each participant will receive a digital copy of this book.
NOTE: The length of this retreat has been changed –