There is a beautiful tree outside my pool cage. Unlike trees in the north, it loses its leaves several times a year, and, oh, what a mess it makes! Yet, as fast as the leaves fall, it’s not long before the growth begins again, the green starts to shine, and its glorious foliage hangs in beauty. Now, I see this tree every day. But, the other day, it was more. It was majestic. It reached up toward the heavens, and I saw beauty and creation, and it somehow represented us…you and me.

Like this tree, each of us is unique, ripe with imperfections, yet beautiful in the eyes of God. During our lifetime, we might need extra care. We will see days when our strength is almost gone, like leaves falling from the tree. We might remember those times when friends and family appeared to “clean up” after us when we made mistakes, when we forgot who we are and whose we are. And when the storms of life threatened to bring us down, a light from heaven…the Spirit of God…would remind us that tomorrow would be another day and that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Imagine…a tree reminding us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. And He is ever-present. His love is life’s fertilizer. His grace props us up when we need it. And once again, if we see ourselves through the eyes of God, we are beautiful and strong, nurtured by love, and saved by grace.

About the author: Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.