Today is May 16th. Of course there are many historical events I could write about. History is a journal of who we are as human beings. Many would have us eliminate all the bad things that have occurred over time. Still, history can serve us well if we allow it to. Learning from our mistakes is often one of the best teachers out there. In honor of the special celebration of “National Love a Tree Day,” I am submitting this piece of art done by my husband, Paul. These trees were painted on the shoreline of the Mississippi River several years ago. As you can see, they continue to flourish even though their roots are exposed. We can be like those trees, with our emotions on display, but still muddling through each day, with hope for God’s protection, love and honor. The poetry is from me and describes the majesty of trees. We often take little road trips to forest areas that aren’t far from civilization. There are an abundance of trees in bloom right now. They fulfill God’s promise of provision. Not only do they provide shade on a hot summer day, but they reach to the sky in praise of the One who gives it. Several shades of green are now popping. Fruit trees serve as a colorful backdrop, with their flowers of crimson, purple, pink and white. Today, we don’t place the honor on the tree itself, but the One who created them for our pleasure, our benefit and as a reminder to always look up to God and praise Him for His wondrous creation.

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

Pushing through the smallest spaces, reaching to the sky above,

Drenched in sunshine and in splendor, nurtured by God’s own pure love,

As blood flows through each dark vein, bringing life within and out,

Tender leaves declare His name, of that truth there is no doubt,

Suddenly a bud appears, opens up so glorious,

In that flower God proclaims, He bestows a life victorious,

Reaching heights of summer skies, sending branches to God’s eyes,

Longing for the days ahead, waiting for that gracious prize,

He will raise you out of death, take you home for final rest,

Like the trees you will go on, and He’ll gift you with the best.