Of Trees and the 2nd Half of Life

Scripture is full of references to trees and what they depict of life with God and of seasons of faith. Below are three images or collages of photos with accompanying Scripture passages that invite you to pause and “see” again/anew. We can gain perspective and a filled-up heart of gratitude through the practice of visio divina (divine or sacred seeing).

What in this image and accompanying proverb (Proverbs 13:12) catches your attention?

Are you drawn more to the phrase “hope deferred” or to the phrase “longing fulfilled”? What are you remembering?

How might this tree (or another tree or image that you remember!) invite you toward a renewed or a reframed hope and gratitude?

“My blessing is on those people who trust in me, who put their confidence in me. They will be like a tree planted near a stream whose roots spread out toward the water. It has nothing to fear when the heat comes. Its leaves are always green. It has no need to be concerned in a year of drought. It does not stop bearing fruit.”

These images focus on fruit. (We’ve tried to include different types of fruit from different parts of the world, but maybe another local fruit you love comes to mind!) But read again the Scripture passage from Jeremiah 17:7-8. Take your time.

What are you noticing?

What do your own life experiences speak about the fruit-bearing process?

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

What stories are you remembering as you look at these images and accompanying words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 13:31-32?

What “second half of life” invitations are you sensing?

End this time of reflection with a favorite song of gratitude or a prayer of thanksgiving to God.

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Photo 1 by Niko_Photos on Unsplash
Photo 2 (collage) from images on Unsplash by 1) Alireza Dashtestani 2) Marian Florinel Condruz 3) Jeremy Yap
Photo 3 (collage) 1) From thumbs.dreamstime.com 2) by Djnyanko on Pixabay 3) From Google images.