Page 4 - June 2020 Traveler

Friends in Christ,

As I sit upstairs looking out the windows overlooking our
back yard on a much needed warm sunny day, I’m pon-
dering the many thoughts shared at the pastors’ weekly
zoom meeting with Bishop Clements…thoughts on
when and how to gather again with in person worship
and wondering how to plan for Sunday School and con-
firmation. This pandemic has hijacked every aspect of “normalcy.” I am so thankful
for the leadership of Bishop Clements as his guidance is based on recommendations
of the IDPH (IL Dept. of Health) and respected medical professionals.

Outside my window, I see ten tall, mature oak trees. Nine are sturdy and straight; I
wonder why one is curved towards the east, leaning into the morning sun. I imagine
their roots deep in the earth’s ground, bearing the weight of their sturdy trunks and
branches, anchoring them against all sorts of weather.

As I sit in awe of God’s creation watching various birds species, squirrels chasing one
another and literally flying from branch to branch, and hearing the “hoo” of the hidden
owls n the branches, I am strengthened and uplifted knowing God’s hand is in all of
creation. God’s creative energy is all around us and within us. God is right in our midst
on days we feel tall and confident in God’s presence and times we lean and bend un-
der the weight of the uncertainty and fatigue of social distancing during this pandemic.

Outside of God and people, trees are mentioned in the Bible more than any other liv-
ing thing. Psalm 1:3 – “They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield
their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.”
We are the “they” in that verse – we are renewed and strengthened daily in the waters
of our baptism. God’s transforming love and grace, God’s wisdom revealed through
the Holy Scriptures, and God’s “eternal life” we heard last Sunday in John 17:1-11 are
the roots that anchor us and keep us nourished as we continue our mission of loving
our neighbors.

I love the image in John 15:5 – “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide
in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”
What an image of strength…as we cling to God.

One of our members shared with me her advice to a family member struggling with life
- “Go hug a tree, feel it’s strength. Sit, lean against the trunk and just “be”. Very wise
wisdom – as my thoughts race with all the decisions we the council are faced with, I’m
out to “hug a tree”.

God’s blessings on your “tree hugging!”

Sharon

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