Ever since I lived in Kentucky and saw my first Redbud tree, I wanted one. I wanted a place to plant one in my yard. Hubby is not much for planting things where he could easily mow. Being the sweet, submissive (uh-humm) wife that I am, I conceded my desire for his convenience. So,for years, I enjoyed the Redbuds of other folks in the world.
In Webster, Kentucky, enroute to our first church in a little rural area, is a canopy of Redbuds that line the country road and cascade above it. At this time of year it is breathtaking. And whenever I see one in bloom today, my mind travels back in time to the days when I would drive that road for no other reason but to bask in their glory.
Throughout Kentucky, wild Redbud and Dogwood trees heavily pepper the countryside, the hills, the hollows and free-ways. Every place I've lived, in these past 30 years, someone near me has had a Redbud growing in their yard. I've reveled in their beauty. I never had to want for one in my yard, because I could enjoy their short-lived blossoms usher in the first signs of Spring from my front porch.
Today I heated a slice of ham and cooked some scrambled eggs and took my breakfast fare out on the back patio to absorb the warmth of 80 degree Oklahoma weather. As I sat there on the porch I noticed one area of my flowerbeds had been turned over. I didn't know my husband had done that. He'd actually squeezed in a few minutes at some point of the weekend to till that bed and turn over the seeds from last year's zinnias. I smiled. Such a loving thing for him to do. Then I looked at the bedraggled space in front of me. There in the midst of my bed was a baby Redbud tree. It was actually sprouting leaves. And it had one tiny grouping of blossoms proudly announcing they'd found their home in my back yard.
Elated? I cannot begin to tell you the joy that tickled my heart. God had taken our neighbor's glorious Redbud and transplanted its child at my feet. Could anyone be so blessed? I wondered.
Why now, Lord? Why at this particular moment in time did you decide to give me one of the desires of my heart? And then it came to me. We live in a world of those who have and those who don't. Those who don't, often covet the possessions of those who do. And what that leads to can destroy a person. It can give foothold to the devil; and he breaks out in a run through their lives.
But God, our Father in Heaven, knows what we desire. God knows when and where and how to supply all we need or want. God has been blessing me greatly the last few weeks. In the midst of a downward spiral of health issues, He chooses to bless my heart with a tree. Not new health. Not a cure. Not even the right diagnosis, yet. Instead, He chooses a blessing that tells me He cares about the tiniest things in my life; so why wouldn't He provide the greater things of necessity? I know my Redeemer liveth. And I know that He lives in me. And I am so grateful for the promise of living with Him forever in a land where Redbuds will bloom and pale in comparison to the glory of His presence. What a wonderful thing to consider today, don't you think? selahV
[copyrighted, 2009, selahvtoday, hariette petersen]
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