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The Gathering of Willow Trees

Last week, I decided to gather my Willow Tree figurines together.  I have about twelve of them. I had several in my office at the church, and others scattered around my home.  Each one arrived for a special event or situation that has taken place in my life. It was nice to remember how they came into my life and why. It is good to take time to reflect. 

In the following display, I have placed soar, freedom, and hope.  Mark and Cindy, who are with the Heartland Regional Office part of the Canadian Baptist of Western Canada (CBWC), sent the flowers.  The Staff and the Board of EBC also sent their prayers and love through a lovely bouquet. 

I enjoy having beauty in my home, especially when the item reminds me that I am part of a broader community holding me up in prayer.  Thank you to everyone for the creative ways you have expressed your love and care for my family during this crazy beautiful season.

Soar arrived during ordination as a reminder that God would use me to build His Kingdom with the help of His Spirit. Always I am to turn to Him, and He will guide me. Even now, during a time of mystery.

Freedom came around the time of heart surgery and is a reminder that I will make it through whatever I may face with confidence in Christ.  This figurine is holding a butterfly.  For me, the butterfly, especially blue ones, remind me of God's holiness and presence.

Hope arrived at a time in my life when I needed to remember that my hope is in Christ, and He is my light in this dark world.  How true this is for me now in this land of darkness.  Christ is my light and my hope.

All three are helping me at this moment to navigate some of the scariest weeks of my life. I still have no idea what the next step is or what tomorrow might bring.  Trusting God has been what brings hope, freedom and the ability to soar into His presence when it is hard.  Trusting God helps me to live in the moment well. 

My Willow Tree figurines have been like the memorial rocks the Israelites gathered to remember God's goodness and all that He had done for them. 

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

yes, I will remember your wonders of old."

Psalm 77:11

Prayer: Thank you, God, for how you present many ways to remember how you have been faithful during my journey with you.  Thank you for helping me to remember during suffering and darkness.  I praise you for how you enabled me to remember this week.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

I called this journey my beautiful crazy life.  Each week I will ask for prayer over the craziness that enters my life and praise for the beautiful.

What was crazy the last few weeks has been the pain in my abdomen. Please continue to pray I will have this under control.

The beautiful has been how, as I mentioned, many of you are creative in your ways of reaching out in love.  Please feel free to email or text.  I enjoy your prayers and encouragement. Thank you all so much.

A Poem from my musings tonight...


A Paradoxical Space

A world so full of wonder and beauty 
beckons me to listen, to pay attention, to learn.
 
The door I entered was beautiful 
 an amazing colour to sit and muse over.

But as I entered, mystery covered me 
and darkness opened space for fear.
 
Yet, a light of hope shines, 
allowing me to soar to safety 
having the freedom to wonder.

Blessings, and stay safe,

Robin

 


 


Comments

Laura Monchuk {Saskmom} said…
Thanks for sharing the story of your Willow Trees. I also have some special ones that came to me at very memorable times. Love to you!
October 19, 2020 at 2:08 PM
Laurel said…
Thanks for sharing, Robin. I will keep you in my prayers.
Love Laurel (Smith)
October 21, 2020 at 3:31 PM
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