 |
Untitled June 11, 2010
by Bernadette McCarver Snyder
from the book A Planet of Grace |
Click below for an audio or video version of this
prayer:
 |
The pinecone tree in my front yard is shaped like a lacy umbrella that somebody used to fend off a burglar. Its
twisted staves and branches droop unashamedly on one side, while the other side spreads out jauntily. I call it
my Resurrection Tree. Every year, a few limbs dry up and fall off, and I think the end is near. But no: It
reaches out with new, lacy but uncoordinated limbs and continues to produce a carpet of pinecones. Other people
make lovely wreaths and decorations from pinecones, so I package mine up and give them to those other people.
But I love the spunk of this tree. I check on it regularly, carting away the broken bits and pieces, gently
patting its trunk (because I’m afraid a good shove would knock it down), and using it as a role model for my
own broken bits and pieces.
Dear Lord, give me the gumption of that imperfect, lacy umbrella. When I am tempted to give in or give up,
stick a pinecone in my ear and whisper, “Resurrection.” I know there are many forlorn places on the earth that
would welcome the meager shade of even one lopsided tree. Bless them, Lord. Send them rain for their crops,
seed for their tomorrows, and a Resurrection harvest.
|
Welcome to the Prayer of the
Week™.
Each week we will deliver to your e-mail address a beautiful, insightful,
original
prayer at no charge or obligation to you. In the hustle
and bustle of modern life, ACTA is happy to help you
find
a moment of spiritual peace each week. |
|
