Planting Trees

I have this wild and crazy dog who needs long walks, which is great cause I need them too. For the last few weeks I have been jamming to one of my favorite artists, Andrew Peterson, on my IPod while I walk through the woods. I was inspired by so many of his songs and I decided to take a few themes from my favorite to focus on this year (Not calling it a resolution case that make it a bit corny and cliche...) The first song is called "Planting Trees":

We chose the spot, we dug the hole
We laid the maples in the ground to have and hold
As Autumn falls to Winters sleep
We pray that somehow in the Spring
The roots grow deep

And many years from now
Long after we are gone
These trees will spread their branches out
And bless the dawn

He took a plane to Africa
He gathered up into his arms
An orphan son

So many years from now
Long after we are gone
This tree will spread its branches out
And bless the dawn

So sit down and write that letter
Sign up and join the fight
Sink in to all that matters
Step out into the light
Let go of all that's passing
Lift up the least of these
Lean into something lasting
Planting trees

She rises up as morning breaks
She moves among these rooms alone
Before we wake
And her heart is so full; it overflows
She waters us with love and the children grow

So many years from now
Long after we are gone
These trees will spread their branches out
And bless the dawn
These trees will spread their branches out
And bless someone

In listening to this I feel 2 things. First I want to plant trees. I want to see every opportunity and work for it. I want to see that my hard work (at home, at Bethany, with friends and family, anywhere and everywhere) is an opportunity to plant trees. Planting may be sharing joy or comforting tears. Planting may be playing UNO for 3 hours, but I am going to plant.

Second, I want to be a tree that spread my branches... I have been planted, and watered and nurtured by many. MANY. I want to spread my wings and bless those around me. I was given many gifts and talents (Yes, even reaching things from high places) and I want to use those as a blessing to others.

So here is my image of who I want to be:


And a link to the song if you want to hear it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAJ0gzqzg_c