By Jennifer Hallmark

On a chilly morning in January, I sat outside on our back porch, cradling a cup of coffee. A hot flash had driven me outdoors to cool off but it was really more than that. A difficult week which included me with a torn retina and laser surgery had not factored in well with my plans. Add to that Mom’s surgery and lots of other stuff and I was tired. Mentally and physically spent.

A lone bird sang a sweet and comforting song. Yes, in Alabama the birds return early and this one was a bright spot in my morning. I stared ahead at our pin oak tree, naked branches spreading out, a gray sky making the background less inviting. Still, the words of a song I’ve been singing a lot came to mind.

“Even when I don’t see it, You’re working.”

To me, the tree appeared dead. I could not see one thing that would point to life within the oak. Yet, I knew it was alive. And more than alive. Life surged within the tree and by March, this very month, the smallest tips of leaves would start emerging. Beneath the tree, grass would grow again. The world would be as it should be.

But it always was that way. Life had not ceased, except in outward appearance. Faith, I guess, is my belief that the tree was growing, changing even without my ability to see it.

And, as I took another sip of my coffee, I felt comfort. And the strength to continue another day.

“ The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.” Hebrews 11:1-2 The Message

Click to tweet: A comforting thought from a tree. @JenHWrites #faith #KindnessMatters