Momma Giving Tree

Moved from my old Blog onto this one because it is still so true.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

Momma Giving Tree

... and she loved a boy very, very much-- even more than she loved herself.

Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree

And the tree was happy

SHEL SILVERSTEIN, THE GIVING TREE

As I sat in my closet floor trying to get ahold of myself, I began to wonder why sometimes it feels like I just can't do this when I really really want to do this. Why do I have joy deep inside, but tears in my eyes?I knew I had but a precious few moments before the children would notice my absence and seek me out so I took one deep breath after another. I let my body relax and my mind calm in the silence. Then I had this sort of vision of a Giving Tree.
That's me, that's the way God created me- to be a Giving Tree. My branches are many and I delight in bearing fruit that others can enjoy. I love that I can hold small children or shade grown adults from the threatening sun. I am strong, I am gentle. I am grounded. I live to give. Yet, there are times like now that my branches have run bare. I have given of all that I have, not because others took too much, I just need time to replenish. I simply need time to be replenished. I feel these are the times when the God of the Harvest tends to me. He prunes and waters and provides nourishment to my roots. He fills my empty cup.
Just like nature who bows down to its Creator, I must bow and allow Him to strengthen me for this season and the next. As a mother to many, I am the Giving Tree. As a Christian, I am HIS Giving Tree. I have been called to care for the needy, protect the weak, and bear fruit for the good of others. And when I am empty, picked bare on all sides, it is my Father who provides the nourishment for my soul. As much as I love to give, I cannot gift what I do not have. In those stolen moments of peace, God meets me with grace. I am aware of my need and staggering inability as I recognize His unwavering faithfulness and provision. I have needs, but I never want for anything. Sometimes it takes me until I am sitting in the dark in the middle of the night because I am coming undone to remember all of this. But thank God He is patient. Sometimes I drive myself and everyone else crazy before I remember to stop and hear Him speak. Thank God He is merciful. Sometimes I am too human. Thank God He is gracious.
My fruit is being replenished. My soul is being refreshed. I'm finding peace in this process. To love others well, I must allow the Father to love me well. I can do all things through Him and I can do NO things without Him. There is simply no greater joy than to love and to give abundantly as He has done.