Our family doesn't have any set traditions yet, though I haven't ever been disappointed :) This year my husband started talking about a big yard project for my Mother's Day present -- something about a fountain and a pond to create a peaceful place with flowing water in the yard. While that sounded lovely and may happen someday, I asked for something simpler with less up-keep.
A willow tree.
This winter we had a tree fall down in a storm near the pond and two more that were already dead that my husband (and a friend) cut down. We had a nice open place near the pond for a new tree. And a willow sounded just right :)
My son was helping me haul water to the tree and he asked why we needed to water it when we don't water all our other trees. I explained to him how stressful it can be for a tree to be planted in a new place, needing extra water to make sure their roots grow down deep and strong, to help them be ready for stormy weather or long winters. And then I paused.
The same is true in my life. God transplanted me to a new place, with different challenges and opportunities. He has been pouring waters of blessing on me. Sometimes, though, I have not used that water to grow deep, strong roots. I've let the blessings flow past without taking note, without letting them encourage and strengthen me. I pray that I recognize the waters that God sends to strengthen and renew. May I not waste opportunities to soak in God's blessing and prepare for what He has in store for me.
May our new willow tree continue to remind me:
of putting down roots in our new community
of our growing family and growing in my role as mother
of God, my gardener, taking care of my needs before I know them, equipping me for His journey
Happy Mother's Day!!
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