Over the past several years I have taken notice of a very large
tree on the east side of the St. Charles Center. This
healthy old tree makes a quiet statement of strength and welcome
as a natural threshold from the farmyard to the main building.
Over the past century I imagine this tree profuse with leaves
offering a shaded respite for those laboring on the farm. Or,
possibly for the young seminarian to lean against as he writes a
letter to his family as young farm kittens
tangle
around his legs.
Seasonally I witness the beauty of this tree and the reminders
of how God is present in every aspect of our lives. In spring
the tiny green buds give new hope, in the summer the branches,
full of leaves offer, needed shade and shelter. With fall
God’s reminder of how beauty changes and evolves into winter.
When this tree stands straight and seemingly unaffected by the
driving winds and drifts gathering around its base. Since
this tree sprouted from a seed it has grown and changed just as
each person who has passed by it has grown and changed facing
the gentle warm breezes and harsh storms of life.
In
“Pick Up Stuff”,
a book written by the late Fr. Ernie Ranly, he recalls the young
seminarians who would walk from St. Charles to the Ranly family
farm for a visit. No doubt these young men walked past
this tree as they began their two mile journey. At this
time large classes of young men were ordained and each parish
enjoyed a fulltime priest to attend to their spiritual needs.
In
those days transportation to Mass was on foot, hoof or the
wheels of a crank to start car. Sundays were spent
visiting with family and friends between feeding and milking
responsibilities. No doubt the concerns and worries of
today mirror those experienced by generations before us when
this tree was much smaller. Those who sat beneath have
said the same prayers for health, for family and friends and for
a safe and abundant harvest. Prayers for guidance and
prayers for government leadership during war and peaceful times.
In the midst of the many uncertainties in our world and in our
lives prayer has been the constant.
Elsewhere in the farm yard are new young trees planted recently
and I wonder over their lifetime what changes will be seen, what
innovations in farming, machinery and technology those who pass
by them will be experiencing. And, what the generations to
follow will have on their hearts as they sit below the profuse
green canopies and think there thoughts, pray their prayers and
reflect on the life God has set before them.
During these winter months inclement weather may not allow us to
recline beneath a magnificent tree for rest, prayer and
reflection. Instead may we center ourselves near a window
within view of a magnificent tree to ponder what God is calling
us to do in our lives and allow Him to fill us with
Hope
and Strength the acceptance of His plan for us.
God
Bless You and may 2012 bring a crisper view of God’s call to
each of us and a loving open heart to welcome His perfect plan.
