Thursday, April 10th, "Survivor’s Tree"

[this one’s on you to google: survivor’s tree at world trade center J]

Breath Prayer: “transforming”   “One”

     A few years ago the Survivor Tree was replanted at Ground Zero in New York City. Now reaching up 30 feet toward the skies, this callery pear tree was found collapsed at base of the Trade Center. Damaged but not destroyed. Somehow, someway with severe damage to her roots, truck and branches, she survived. Returned back home, this pear tree is a living reminder that love lives.

     Now in these April days we witness the transformation of bare trees, to buds, to blossoms. Time and again we are reminded of the deeply rooted hope that is always around us. We witness the strength of crocuses and daffodils. It’s as though we have waited through a long, dark night until we can see again the glimpse of light on the horizon.

     How easy it would be to miss these life gifts. Blink our eyes and we’re past them. But in these wilderness days, we have been reminded to take our time, to pay attention, to lean into love. In these days we are reminded that our roots and branches can heal and reach out deeply again.

Prayer: Life-giving God, your love continues to renew and transform us. Somehow, someway you lead us each day into new life. We give thanks for this pear tree in NYC. She is a living testimony that proclaims that even our vulnerability and pain, love lives on. Amen.

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