Liquid Gold

Roses drinking in the rain!

     For the last few days we have received much needed rain. Just as we prayed, it has been a slow, gentle, soaking rain. We have walked in it and drank it in as have the plants and trees in our yard. Although Dan has constantly watered them I fear some will still succumb to the brutal summer’s heat. There is just no substitute for nature’s rain. It is like liquid gold sprinkled from the heavens. God does not discriminate. The rain falls freely upon the wanted and unwanted landscaping.

Struggling Dogwood

     Sixteen very old pine trees were taken down in our front yard. The decision was not made lightly. They were severely damaged in the last ice storm and had become hazardous. Fearing another one would plunge through our roof again, we finally relented. Those majestic pines were our only remnant of color during the winter months. Dogwoods, Crepe Myrtles, Chinese Maples, Red Buds and a lone Peach Tree were planted along side new Evergreen Trees.

Taking down the pines

     Maybe because the Dogwood coincides with my favorite holiday, Easter, is it so special to me. Our lake property is covered with them. In the spring the hills are a blanket of white and pink flowers; followed by bursts of red berries in the fall. Maybe it is because they appear frail and mangled needing the shelter of larger trees to protect it from the elements.

Shroud of Turin

     This morning I watched a special on the Shroud of Turin. As with Christ, it too is swirled in controversy. World renowned scientists, even the ones certain it is a fraud, admit there are just some things even they in all their wisdom cannot explain. An every day husband and wife provided evidence disproving scientific findings of the age of the linen shroud. Neither were scientists. Once again; “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” 1st Corinthians 1:27.

     As The Legend of the Dogwood goes;

At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus' cross.

To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said. "Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals.

"In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember."

     Like the Dogwood, some of us by the world’s standard may appear, broken, frail and maybe cursed. In His eyes, the mighty Oak and the frail Dogwood are equally valued and loved.

     “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45 KJV