The Mighty Oak

“The Mighty Oak’s zeal for life suggests determination

despite aging cracks and cavities.

Extended arms of gnarled bark give rest to fowl,

nesting habitats, and acorn fuel.

The Mighty Oak is never alone.

It greets visitors where it grew beneath the sun,

weathering the wind and rain,

watching, listening, and sheltering man and beast.

It’s serene and tranquil … always giving.

Always receiving.

Always present.

Bound by a vast network of roots.

May its wounds heal and its leaves rustle in the wind.

May its majestic trunk uphold a mighty canopy

over the meadow where branches soar into the sky.

Let its journey live forever.”

Dianne Marie Andre, 2022

We have two giant oaks. One has died from borers and now stands bare. The other oak—pictured above—with its obvious deterioration fights to live … to give splendor and renewal to creatures and humanity.

Regardless of its state, it doesn’t stop baring fruit … a stunning message that we too can bear fruit no matter what our circumstances.

“For he will be as a tree planted by the waters, who spreads out its roots by the river and will not fear when heat comes, but its leaf will be green, and will not be concerned in the year of drought. It won’t cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8 (WEB)

 The Christmas Tree by Julie Salamon is one of my favorite Christmastime books. It’s about befriending a fir tree and “learning to love, and, finally, being able to share that love with others, allowing it to be reborn, remembered and cherished forever.” 

This story is a beautiful reminder of yielding fruit to the very end. Do you have a favorite Christmas story? A favorite tree? I’d loved to hear about them.