As I sit here at my window this morning, a new scene is taking place. Usually I watch the birds at the feeder or the squirrels beneath it. Occasionally there’s a feral cat or two to amuse. Today there is a group of strong young men being lifted up in the air by cherry pickers. They are taking advantage of the “warmer” Minnesota winter days to prune some trees in the area. Branches are interfering with utility lines and this seems the perfect time to undertake this activity. Not only that, it’s giving me a different view today.

As we prune away the debris of life, it’s also a good time to reflect on how that debris became obstacles which got in the way over the past year and how we overcame them.

A tree stands firmly in the ground, though ancient yet unworthy,

Its life has spanned a hundred years, its limbs cried out for mercy,

The sun has withered, burnt and scorched, the wind has taken its toll,

The snow filled skies and frosty air are God’s quality control.

In spring new life will come again as leaves bud forth in glory,

A canopy of green appears creating a new story,

In fall the tree must undergo another painful trimming,

As leaves of crimson, gold and rust upon the ground are swimming.