It's Only A Tree

I know it's only a tree, so why then do I feel so sad in losing it?  We planted it when it was just a sapling and watched it grow over the years into a huge, beautiful Maple.  Each year I anticipated the coming of fall when the leaves would turn the most spectacular colors of red, orange and yellow.  It was always so beautiful.  But within a few short days of winter's snow and ice . . . it was gone.  Of course, I know it's replaceable and in time another beautiful tree will stand planted in the same spot - but still there is a feeling of loss.  I guess it's alot like people in our lives - they come and go too. 

As a pastor's wife I see this more than most.  People come and go in churches all the time but for me - the ones I've invested in, the ones I call friends, the ones I've grown to love - it's so hard to see them go for whatever the reason. Then there's the ones I deeply love . . . ones like my Mom.  I still miss her so much.

The Bible says . . ."The Lord gives and the Lord takes away."  I guess that's true with trees as well as people. Still we're encouraged to say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord." 

I'm trying Lord :)

Cathy