A week ago today I was stopped at a traffic light on my way to a doctor’s appointment, when a tree off on my right caught my eye. Here in northern NJ, the brilliance of fall is far past peak, with the majority of our deciduous trees barren. Nonetheless, there are still a few that are holding fast to their glory. This tree that caught my eye was among a bunch of brush, was hidden by trees and stood very small in the middle of the more mature trees nearby.
YET, SURROUNDED BY CHAOS AND INTIMIDATION, THIS LITTLE TREE SHINED BRIGHTLY AND STOOD OUT.
As I waited for the light to turn green, I wondered how many people actually saw that hidden tree heralding its own glory. Then, I thought of how if no one at all, not even I, saw that tree, it would have still stood there glowing louder than its environment. My thoughts then wandered to the possible “beauties” that God had placed in the middle of my personal barren and chaos that I never noticed.
THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, AND I WAS ON MY WAY, BUT THE INSPIRATION OF THAT LITTLE TREE STAYED WITH ME.
While that intimate moment had passed, I wanted to capture the spark that started it. So, on my way home from the doctor I looked as I drove by, but the sun had moved, and the tree blended in with his surroundings. I went the next day with my mom but arrived just after the sun would have been shining directly on it. I drove by two other times last week, but my timing continued to be off. Five days after my encounter with that tree, my mom and I were driving by, but for some reason, the tree was totally off my radar. Out of nowhere, in a rushed voice my mom said, “There’s the tree!” The sun was falling perfectly on it, setting it apart as it did when I first saw it.
PROBLEM WAS, FIVE DAYS TOOK ITS TOLL ON MY INSPIRING FRIEND.
Very few leaves remained holding on. The fleeting moment of seeing that tree in all its glory had passed. There was no getting it back. There was no recapturing it, no matter how hard I tried. It was another reminder in my life to live in the moment with my eyes wide open. Seasons change (both the good ones and the hard ones), but God does not. In the middle of the “brush” of life and in the face of the “tall” that surrounds us, God places beauty to remind us that He is near. We do not have to notice those signs of His Presence to validate their existence; but this I know, I don’t want to miss them.
Comments...
So good to have you blogging again! I was hoping you were going to say you painted that tree! I need something for fall/winter to put in my rotation of “Michele” prints. I have the one for Christmas, Easter, a Spring/Summer (Restored Beauty for all year around really), and a patriotic one for various holidays….but nothing for fall or winter LOL Praying you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Just a thought…
I know that you already inspire so many who read your blog. I was thinking how many more you woud inspire if you wrote a book. Most of it would already be written by including all your blogs. I’m sure I am one of many who suggested this, but a book would minister to those who have smilar physical issues, and it would do the same to their families and friends.
Anyway, you inspire me!
Colleen
“Live in the moment with eyes wide open” com’on!!!!!!!!
So true Michele enjoy every moment. I always credit your Mom for making me aware to always take time to see the beauty of Gods creation every where.
Hi Michele,
I was fortunate enough to attend a group this past week where you spoke about your life and I decided to check out your website. I love the blog entry entitled “For this Moment,” since you state how small , intimate moments( the ones that may easily go unnoticed) are opportunites God uses to teach us great truths. It is nice to meet another soul that God talks to in this quiet way. At the meeting I attended, I was quite moved by your painting “Redemption” and upon further reflection, I understand why it had such an effect on me. The lamb is so perfect, so innocent, not at all deserving of its fate depicted. Despite the fact that this innocent lamb’s blood was being poured out in full measure, the lamb was looking at me so serene and loving. It was as if the lamb was saying, ” I am enduring this all because of my love for you.” That is what made me weep over the image. This painting was truly divinely inspired and your talent is certainly God given.
Patty, thank you so much for sharing your heart and how this post, as well as “Redemption”, spoke to you. I absolutely love how personal your experience with that painting was. Wow. I am so incredibly blessed and humbled, so thank you again for sharing! Your words will stay with me. It was such a pleasure meeting you the other night. My time with all of you holds a special place in my heart. May God continue His work in and through you, Patty!
You are the cause of so many tears From my eyes, from my heart! You inspire me, encourage me and share your wisdom with me. Thank you for sharing your life’s ups and downs!
Colleen
And you my friend bless me. Your words are Holy Spirit inspired, timely and appreciated. Thank you, Colleen!