My Jesus Tree

Oh my.  It's been a while, dear friend.  Please forgive my absence.  Life is that way, isn't it?  We get busy with the busyness of everyday life - and before you know it.. a month has slipped by.  I've found that a 'dry spell' with God (for me) is a direct result of letting my life spin like a washing machine.  "But, Look God.. how busy I am running around doing good things!" - I say.  "Yes, I can see, dear one.. but spending time with Me is what I desire most, my beloved." - He responds. "ouch" (Note to self: Relationship with my Creator is what He wants from me.. n-o-t-h-i-n-g does He require.)

I want to share something that Jesus showed me here in Hong Kong. (First, a picture so you can get a visual)

This happened during a walk in the park across the busy street from our flat. (so many times I sense the Holy Spirit in that park)
It was, once again, on a day that I was feeling very far away from God - forgotten.  After dropping Brady off at school, I slowly walked back toward our building.  I decided to stop in the park on a bench and linger for a little while.. listening with my headphones to an artist - who always brings Jesus close to my heart.  While hearing her tender words, I glanced to a tree that is stationed right in the middle of the walking path.  It was that tree that was transformed into the likeness of a hand.  It was a picture of this hand, Jesus' hand stretched over, gently curved.  I'd walked under the branches of that hand - just seconds before sitting down.  Jesus was showing me that he is that close.  His hand covers me as I walk - protecting me from harm that I don't even know exists. What a beautiful picture of His love at the perfect time for my heart to see it.  Maybe He's trying to show it to you today, too.  Can you see?

* Take a look at the picture, again.  See the trunk as his left arm.. there's his thumb.. and the curved fingers outstretched toward the right.. the long, flowing fingers.  Call me crazy, but I'm crazy for Him.  And my heart needs to remember days like these when life gets too busy to ponder.

Maybe He's trying to show you His love somewhere out there in His creation we call nature.  Slow down long enough to ponder & look.  I think He's just waiting to amaze you... like He did me that day.. in the park.  I believe He wants to remind us that we are truly His beloved ~ and beautiful.

Link to the beautiful song I was listening to:
Beloved
Kari Jobe