The virus is starting to make things crazy again, Father – not that that is a surprise to You! May we abide in You. May we think of others before ourselves. May we do everything we can to reflect Your love and light to the world around us. Amen.

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It was a cloudy day, but despite the lack of sunshine this is still a beautiful tree isn’t it? As I drove past it this morning heading out for my elementary route its stunning vibrance caught my eye. (And by the way, I didn’t take it from my bus! I drove back later in my truck.)

The first thing that went through my mind is that it would be absolutely gorgeous in my front yard! But can you tell me where it is growing? It is smack dab in the middle of an overgrown marshy area. The whole area is cattails and marsh grass. There is probably a spring in the area that feeds the pond on the other side of the road – but it obviously feeds the tree, too! An amazing display of autumn beauty!

In some ways, it hardly seems fair. We have a huge maple in our front yard, and it has more color this year than it ever has…some magnificently brilliant reds. But this other tree is breathtaking with all of its many hues of fiery orange!

The farmer across the way might be able to enjoy it while harvesting his soybeans and the house on the hill the other way might be able to see it. Motorists could admire its splendor if they happen to look that way as they zoom by. But otherwise there it sits.

But as I mulled these things over in my head, I became grateful that God placed that tree right where He did. It displays its radiance in a somewhat unexpected location. It was not crafted or shaped by any man; it just grew where a simple seedling fell. No one but God Himself can take credit for where it is and what it is.

How about you? You and that tree are very similar to one another! You are a magnificent example of His personal, hands-on creation. There is not another you in all the world! He made you just the way you are and placed you where you are. Never sell yourself short!

Take a moment and read through a psalm written by King David – a praise song to God!

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
…..and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
…..Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
…..as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
…..Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
…..before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
…..They cannot be numbered! Psalm 139:13-17 NLT

Oct 12th, 2020, Mon, 5:03 pm