CHAPTER 1
The Spirit of the Tree
Inspired by the aura around our cypress tree
"I think that I shall never see A poem as lovely as a tree"
-Joyce Kilmer
The Cypress tree is one of many in the yard. She may not be the tallest, but she is the fullest, and her shape is the perfect tree shape.
Smaller birds nest in her branches, and the herons share perch time at her peak with the anhingas, kingfishers, and egrets as they watch the lake below for the fish that will become their meal.
Butterflies dance gracefully among her branches.
A tiny sparrow sits in the feeder hanging from the lowest branch.
Mama Blue Jay tosses food from the feeder to her babies onto the ground. A sentry keeps careful watch from above.
Squirrels playfully chase each other up and down her trunk.
Her beautiful knees provide a haven under the shade for the glossy ibis and moorhens.
Ducks and rabbits eat the seed and rye grass between the cypress knees and trees.
She breathes deeply, and fills her being with carbon dioxide. She exhales the oxygen for the people and animals to breathe. It is the cleanest of air and does not need any filtering or perfumes. It provides the essence of life for so many.
There she stands, tall, mighty, and magnifi cent.
She is humbled by how lucky she is. She is there together with the other trees to support all forms of life.
In this great big world, one tree helps so many. And when there is more than one tree, even more are helped.
She may not be one who could run and play, but that is not her job. Her job is to be there and help those around her.
There is a little girl who loves playing outside in her backyard.
She lovingly watches the cardinal family, the mourning doves, mockingbirds, jays, and crows enjoy the beautiful trees. She listens to the chipper chirp of the tiny finches.
She gazes in awe at the creation.
She sees the perfectly shaped tree and feels a special spirit about it. It has a halo of sweet love and comfort.
The little girl places her hand on the tree, feeling the pulse of life and energy. She inhales deeply, filling her lungs with the fresh, clean air that is filled with the oxygen from the tree.
She exhales, and the tree is grateful for the carbon dioxide from the child, with both working together to create clean air for each other to breathe.
As the child gazes up into the branches, she sees the sun beaming down in love for the tree, the girl, and the earth. She hears the music of the birds and feels the warmth of this special and pure love and peace.
The girl marvels at how amazing the creation of the tree is.
The tree marvels at how amazing the creation of the girl is.
They both share a moment marveling at all the life enjoying these same moments together at this little spot in her backyard.
As she gazes into the sky, still holding the tree, she sees the rainbow surrounding her yard with God's promise of love. Her eyes fill with tears of joy in the beauty of this moment.
What she does not know is that at this very moment, many children and grownups all over the world are sharing this very same experience at the exact same time. Some are gazing at stars, others at the ocean.
Some marvel from the streets in front of their houses, and some from high in the mountains.
She realizes that the spirit of life's energy is everywhere. What she does not know is that when every living thing is feeling this love and peace at the same time, only love and peace can exist where they are.
They all become one in love and life and creation.
This is what life really is. This is where life really is. This is what keeps life going. This is what grows the spirit of love. Now and Forever
The girl says a little prayer:
"Thank you God for this beautiful earth home. Thank you for the tree and all it does for the animals and me. Thank you for all life. Thank you for showing me your miracle that all creation is. Help me remember this all the time, even when times are hard, or the world seems mean. The world is not mean here; it is sweet and good. Thank you for keeping this in my mind, my heart, and my spirit."
As she says this prayer, her eyes light up with gratitude for this special moment. God answers her prayers with the most beautiful double rainbow over the tree, her house, and her. All through her life, even when times are tough, she remembers this blessed moment and feels peace.
As long as she lives, she brings her peace, happiness, and love to all she meets. It is contagious. They feel her spirit of joy whenever she is near. And when she is not there, they remember her joy and share it with others.
The world becomes a better place just like her back yard ...
... where the cypress tree grows in love, knowing that this love, when spread, saves the world. From then on, all who see the tree feel peace and joy in the moment. Few know the reason; they just feel it. Occasionally, someone notices the glow of light surrounding this special tree, experiences God's creation, and lifts up a prayer of thanks. The world is a better place, and the magnificence of life's miracles reaches the ends of the earth. Then there is peace. Shalom.
