Outside of my garden-apartment window, a tree stands. A small tree, yet sturdy little thing. From my haven, I look at it all year long. It is a tree that transports a person out of the city, into a quiet place. A quiet place of the heart. It doesn't change. Same location, same size, same branches, same tree. And yet, it does change. It can tell a story, the story of the last few months of my life in Chicago, as I have sat peering at it.
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| My tree, from my haven |
December found it waiting. The radiance of summer joy and trips, gone. Coloured leaves fallen, branches shivering in the cold, it stood there, waiting, waiting for something to happen. During this time of waiting, a Bible study Monday mornings, brought together by God, became a source of refuge, strength, and accountability, as we met and talked together, over the book,
Idol Lies, by Dee Brestin.
January found this tree covered in white -to busy to notice and shake the snow that covered its branches, or the cold wind that silently chilled its heart. Applications submitted to grad schools took precedence, daily taking time and energy. Weekly French classes and volunteering at a local homeless shelter in the administrative offices commenced, beginning several new journeys. Especially the French journey.
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| Ice skating with a roommate in downtown Chicago |
February, this cold tree had multiple visitors look at it from my haven. Family friends from Oregon, parents from Kansas City, and a college friend from Texas, brought joy and energy. I gazed many times at the tree as I sat preparing Adult Bible Learning (aka adult Sunday school) lessons, covering God's plan through the whole Bible, from creation, the fall, and His story of bringing full redemption and restoration to the world in order to live and be with us, as His new creation. It never was really about the characters of the story -it is about the Author, and a much bigger plan that He had in mind.... and he
used characters to make His plan, and promises reality. Full Redemption of all relationships. I can't wait! Plus, February brought some fun into life, including ice skating, a French tutor, and learning lots of French verb conjugations. :)
With hints of warmth coming in March, I enjoyed looking with hope at this bare tree, wondering where and when the first buds would come out. Waiting for grad school responses, I continued co-teaching ABL, singing or running tech team for worship services, and simply being in friendships...and cooking fun, new things!
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| Steak, baked mini-potatoes, and roasted tomatoes |
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| Cinnamon rolls... |
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| ...Became an Easter basket |
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Vegan double-chocolate cake.
(Bike transportation: NOT recommended... ;) |
April finds me looking at a spindly, still-grey tree, above soft green grass! It is spring! And new life and plans are coming into focus. Usually when I'm staring at my tree, counseling grad programs, planning a summer weekend bike trip, and organizing a vacation back to where I grew up, fill my thoughts. Warm weather (above 40 degrees) brings biking and running back into weekly life, giving time to think ahead and pray about trusting God with the future. He's got a
much bigger plan, and I look forward to someday in heaven understanding how I fit into it. :)
Until then, I wait with hope! and with my ever-growing flower garden!
