The adventure continued…
In the summer, when I am at this particular park, I always look for a good spot to hide away and have some time alone with God. Some of the best spots have been in the middle of the open, yet just hidden enough that the average passer-by would have no idea that I am there.
This day, as it turns out was no different. As Pridge sauntered off in a different direction, I found a large looming tree. With snow on the ground all around, my curiosity was peaked when I saw a patch of dry dirt just below the trees base.
I hurried up the slight incline at the edge of the steep drop off with the bristling water looming below. I hugged the tree as I wrapped my body around the tree to see why the patch was there. As I clung to the tree I twisted my body I saw a huge opening in the side of the tree. This lifeless tree stood tall and proud on the outside, showing off its majesty to those who dare not look behind its façade. But with the slightest bit of examination, this hollow tree was shown for its barren state.
I climbed down a small path to enter into this hollow tree. The emptiness allowed enough space for me to move with ease inside of its inner room. I looked up through its cylindrical opening to see the blue gray skies peaking through. The opening was just big enough that the snow had found a way through to rest in a small section of the cold ground.
This was the first area that I had found in the park that was dry enough to sit down. I took the opportunity to sit quietly within the tree and look out over the perfect view. I could see down the river quite a ways and watched as the glassy water rippled and broke as it found its way along the turbulent path.
I watched a tiny flock of ducks splashing and cleaning in the wintry waters. I could hear the subtle rush of water. A low buzz from traffic on the highway in the far distance moaned and whirled by. Birds chirped their sweet soft tunes as the played within the leafless branches of the exposed trees. I praised God for this moment; this safe haven and quiet resting place. In the midst of the laughter and the playing, God gave me a brilliant moment to sit with Him. It was just an instant to soak in His presence and worship Him in the beauty of His creation.
This hollow tree made me ponder a few things. Sometimes what looks alive on the outside is really dead and hollow on the inside. Sometimes what appears uselessly hollow on the inside can be a safe haven and a resting place. At times we need to examine life and ourselves to see what appears to be alive on the outside, yet is really dead on the inside. At the same time, those places in our lives that we see as hollow and empty, can be used for life. They can be resting places for others and a place of healing.
