There was a tree on the edge of my school yard when I was 8 years old. This tree was enormous and it's branches hung low to the ground as if begging children to climb up into it for safe keeping.
This tree also seemed to me ,as if God Himself had planted it for me to climb everyday. Before school I would climb this tree and sit in the middle branches, and wait for the other kids to arrive. I remember wishing that I could be invisible for just one day, so I could just sit there all day and no one could see me. But I would be able to observe them. To see if their life was like mine. To see if they had to hide the things I had to hide.
So many thoughts ran through my mind at that age. I often wondered about the meaning of life, and what purpose I was here for.
I use to take a little pocket Bible and hide it in my jacket and read it at recess. I was very much a loner. I felt no one could possibly understand me , or the the things that were going on in my life. These times were some of the most stressful in my life, and I often sought God.
One morning it had rained severely and when I climbed the tree it was very wet and quite a few of the tree's smaller branches and leaves lay on the ground framing it in leafy splendor. But in the center of the tree was a pocket of water where normally was a dry hollow.
It seemed to me like holy water and I dipped my finger tips into it and made the sign of the cross. It amazed me so much that God would allow me to see the secret of the tree. A secret water spot for the birds to take a sip within its leafy branches. I rested against the enormous limb and soaked in the peace I felt there. ~nita~
Love's Divine by Seal reminds me so much of that day. I needed love so much.....
21 comments:
What a beautiful story, Nita. I am at peace just reading it.
Imagining you finding that special water well is so touching and beautiful....and also heartbreaking in a way. I wish I could stop by on the way to work and have coffe with you in the morning. Hus ~ Sweet Pea
xoxox Rella
The holy font in the tree of life
Beautiful story, thank you for allowing us to dip our hand into the holy water of your words.
Dear Nita,
Such a beautiful, touching story...and very wonderfully written. You have become such an inspiration to me and I'm sure to so many others, too. You speak your soul and we feel it...thank you for sharing so much with us. I pray that God wraps His arms around you and John and your daughter. xxoo, Dawn
What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.
I love Seal's music and Loves Divine is one of my favorites.
God Bless you and your family Nita.
God Bless You, Nita. Your story is touching and told so well.
Bobbie: I felt at peace looking at your site, you seem to be a wonderful person and a wonderful friend. I love the art you are into. Thank you for the compliment. xoxo Nita
Rella: Someday I want to meet you in "real life" and we will go have that coffee, maybe in Paris. xoxo Nita
Corey: Thank you, I find your site very inspiring. I love the way you write. It touches my heart. xoxo Nita
Dawn: I love you, your heart seems to me so huge and full of love for others. Thank you. xoxo Nita
Patti: Thank you, I pray for blessings for you and yours too. xoxo Nita
Mary: Thank you, I am glad you liked it. Have a good day. xoxo Nita
thank you for sharing this story and for coming by to comment. i had visited a couple of days ago and read about john. i was thinking of him mostly when i posted yesterday's image on my blog. love is all around us.
be well
~sue o'kieffe
Sue: Thank you so much, how kind of you. xoxo Nita
Dear Nita, your story about the tree has really moved me . I sit with tears filling my eyes! I don't know the circumtances of your childhood, but I to had some happy and some very unhappy times in my life as a child. My tree was a little chair and my Raggedy doll, that I took into the closet of a bedroom that five children shared ,and there I found peace ! I connected with God at a very early age as well and found much comfort in him. It makes me so sad to know that so many children in the world today are feeling so lost and alone and continue to suffer because of choices grown people in their lifes make. Their only hope is God will reach out to them as well, and they will respond to his calling.
Thank you so much for sharing your lovely story.
God bless you today, Shelley
We would love to have you participate in the 2 things challenge! Welcome!
I would love to sit in your tree. It sounds like the type of place I needed. Instead I acted out.
amanda
Nita,
you are amazing.
Amy
Shelley: I agree with you our hope is God. And for little children their hope is God too. He helped me through so many terrible things as a child. I remember talking to Him all the time, He was my only friend at times. xoxo Nita
Bobbie: Thank you, and I am looking forward to it. xoxo Nita
Amanda: There were times I acted out to, just to get attention, any kind of attention. That is why kids act out, they are lacking in some fundamental way. Searching for an understanding soul to intervene. I bet you were a beautiful child, highly creative and smart. And hopefully someone saw that, if they didn't, I do. You are loved. xoxo Nita
Amy: You are amazing to me too. You have such a gift for loving people, and you seem like such a good Mom. xoxo Nita
What a great story! God is every where, we just have to pay attention!
xo Lee
Lee: Thanks, I agree God is everywhere. xoxo Nita
What a wonderful place for God to hide Holy Water. What a wonderful story, Nita. I still haven't taken a kitchen picture- been busy and distracted. Have you gotten my package yet? I wrote to you inside like John couldn't read the book- I don't know if he can hold a book and I apologize for leaving him out. Of course he SHOULD read the book if he wants! I hope you are BOTH encouraged and inspired.
Thank you for sharing such a very personal and moving story, Nita.
Nathalie: got the package today, i love the bookmark!! And I can't wait to read the book. love nita
Maija: Thank you. xoxo Nita
Oh my... this was so poignant, and of course God placed Holy Water there for your tender heart...
This is a beautiful blog to stop by and visit.
:-)
Pixiedust: Thank you for your kind words. I enjoyed your site very much. xoxo Nita
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