The Willow Tree

When I was a boy in my father's home,

left to myself, but never alone.

I'd hop from the back porch and what would I see?

Filling my vision was a tall willow tree.

It was guarding me...

watching over me...

Now who would have thought that trees could give

ways and examples for people to live?

They have roots that go deep, deep in the ground

and you never see trees cutting each other down...

I wish I could be

like the tall willow tree

giving shade and protection

in every direction

I see...

to know the way and the when

to sway and to bend,

without breaking…without breaking...

That is why a willow tree

would be

the best tree

for me

to be...

Here in the autumn of my faith I should be like the trees

that surround,

auburn leaves grace the ground…

That’s how I should be;

compelling all who see to say

"he is like a bright boquet

of life."

God’s creation is reaching

and preaching

to me.

That’s the story,

it is the glory

of the trees.

Let me offer refreshment to all the weary traveler’s passing by

wearied from all the trouble in this life.

Compelling all who pass my way

to drop their burdens in the shade

for a while.

God’s creation is reaching

and preaching

to me.

That’s the story,

it is the glory

of the trees.

If you trust in the Lord,

You will be like the tree

Planted by the riverside

Flourishing and full of life.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit."

Jeremiah 17:7-8