At our recent Circuit Prayer meeting we thought about trees and how they can help us in our faith.
Yesterday was Mothering Sunday when we remember all those who “mother” us. The first tree I want to use is the bay tree. This photo is a bay tree in my back garden. It is an easy and quick source of bay leaves that are used to add flavour to soups and casseroles.
What is not so commonly known is that bay leaves are also used in alternative medicine as an astringent and salve for open wounds. Oil extracted from bay leaves is also used in massage therapy and aromatherapy. This particular bay tree also provides shelter and protection for the many garden birds that come to feed on the neighbouring bird feeder. It is firmly planted in the soil with roots that are firm in the ground and has withstood the wind and storms that have occurred over the last few years.
So as remember those who mother us, we can think about how God cares for us. He provides so much more than simple food. He provides the flavour that knowing Jesus brings to what might otherwise be rather bland lives. He provides healing and restoration to bruised lives. He provides shelter and protection. And we can be like that bay tree, firmly rooted in Him.
Prayer: Creator God, we thank you for the huge variety of trees that surround us. We thank you the flavour you bring to our lives, and for the care and compassion you show us. Help us to be firmly rooted in you and may we in turn bring flavour, care and compassion to others. Amen