Devo #4
“Gifts of the Mother Tree”
Nothing lives forever. Even the strongest of trees will eventually fall. But its life-giving potential is never lost. In death, a tree becomes a nurse log, a rich nutrient-base for the seedlings that will grow on and around its decomposing trunk.
Like the Mother Tree, we all have the opportunity to leave a legacy to future generations.
The greatest gift I ever received from my grandmother, came more than five years after her death. I had been through a difficult experience, that left me feeling fearful and drained. One day, I was being counseled by an older, wiser woman—a Mother Tree in her own right—when suddenly I felt myself longing to be back at Mamma Weezie’s house. I could picture it as if I was there: It was evening. We were watching television in the living room. I was lying on the couch, and Mamma and Pappy were sitting in their Lazy-Boy recliners.
There was nothing special happening, and yet suddenly the tears start to flow. I felt a deep longing for the rest I used to experience with Mamma, a wonderful Mother Tree with whom I felt safe and loved.
Mamma Weezie was someone with whom I could be myself. I can't bring to mind a single time when she made a big deal over something I either did or failed to do. With her, I didn’t feel any pressure to achieve or perform, because I never felt like my worth was dependent on my actions.
The memory of her that day was a beautiful gift. It helped me to hear God’s invitation: “Come to me, weary one. I want to love you. I want to keep you safe. You don’t need to perform, and I don’t expect you to be perfect. Regardless of anything you will ever do or fail to do, you will always belong to Me.”