[Faith-talk] Good Night Message for Friday, July 6 2012, Albeit a Little Early

[Paul]

Well folks, better early than never.  Anyway how was your day today? Mine was good.  Put another way, how is your day going for those of you in Australia and/or New Zealand? As this is being written, it's approaching lunchtime or shortly thereafter for you, whereas for those of you in the UK or in Europe, you'll read this good night message when you arise.  I know it sounds confusing, but if the world had only one time zone it would be even more confusing, to say the least.

Carolyn J. Tinkle, yet another precious and lovely poetess who is a member of the Baltimore chapter of the Christian Poetry Society, contributed this evening's poem.  Entitled "A Tree," it is rendered as follows:

There are few greater beauties
That one could hope to see
Than that silent strong formation
Of the old majestic tree.
Its strength is in its roots;
Its arms reach toward the sky.
Its leaves rustle so gently
As the soft wind whispers by.

It offers shade to those who rest
Beneath its spreading boughs;
Lovers carve initialed hearts,
Exchanging secret vows.
Many artists are inspired
By beauty they perceive
While contemplating nature
Beneath its lacy leaves.

Birds make homes on sturdy limbs
Protected from the night;
Squirrels cavorting round its trunk
Give watchers such delight.
Children's fantasies expand
As they climb up and play;
Swings attached to higher limbs
Bring joy each summer's day.
Its wood is used for shelter,
For paper, books, and toys;
Another of God's blessings
Gives help as well as joy.

And there you have it for today.  I sincerely hope that there were enough descriptive words for you to remember fond memories sitting under a tree or even climbing one.  Maybe your parents or friends built a treehouse in your backyard when you were younger.  How well I can remember such innocent days in my childhood!

And now may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob just keep us safe, individually and collectively, throughout the night or day and especially in these last days in which we live.  This is the sincere and ardent prayer and hope of your Christian friend and brother, Paul.