Reflection by Liz Wessel

On walks through Irvine Park I have often passed by this tree but not without notice. Each time I find myself pausing to gaze upon her with curiosity and awe.

This tree sustained a great shock when she was struck by lightning years ago. One aspect of the tree withered and died that day. Yet, she rose up from the ashes and has been able to flourish. What inspires the greening of new life beyond all odds?

 Change can strike us to our core and catch us unaware. Something unexpected; the loss of an ideal, a job, our health, a relationship, and most significant of all, the loss of someone we love. 

This tree is instructive in the resiliency of the human spirit. We too learn to adapt and grow regardless of our life circumstances. No matter what confronts us, God is  present and love informs our lives. Hope springs eternal.

Creator God:
Give us a heart
 for simple  things:
Love and laugher
Bread and wine
Tales and dreams.

Fill our lives with
Green and growing
Hope;
Make us a people of
Justice
Whose song is
Allelujah
And whose name breathes
Love.

Prayer by -Walter Wink

Liz Sorensen Wessel

Photo art by ~liz