Tree of Faith*
For: William
My life begins with just one seed,
Created and nurtured by God indeed.
With love and care my foundation begins,
As roots spread out to drink life in.
I start out small but in good time
My trunk takes shape, becomes my spine.
My core, my center, the thickest vein,
Brings my heart a converted rain.
My outward rings show visible birth
As I grow in confidence, trust and faith.
Accepting my call, I aim my mark
And as I rise I form my bark.
Sin and oppression try an entry to gain
But leaves can shed again and again.
For turning and reconciling can transform
By shedding a once forgotten life in storm.
Faith pushes me to branch once more
With limbs outstretched, reaching, I soar.
Goodness flows from lessons I took
Flowers adorn, transform my look.
Gnarls and knots, constant will remain
Reminding me, constant seeking is never in vain.
As faith grows deeper new buds abound
His Love for even me is always ready bound.
As I grow, learn, and live to soar, to tower above
I must remain forever constant in His Love.
And as I near the end of my earthly life
My tree of faith becomes secure in the Cross of Christ.
*For the two “Williams” who have deeply affected, encouraged, tolerated, and blessed my life. If only they knew how much I have depended on their faith and belief that “there is good in me.” And their hope that I will someday “know” that what I write is a gift from God to me. eml-2009