Tree of Great Peace

Whenever the violence, the shouting, and the throwing of housewares began, Tina would take off out the back door lickity-split, with the screen door slamming behind her. Most often, she ran towards the woods' path, over the hilltop meadow with the tall grass brushing her legs, leaping over the old stonewall, and into the woodland run, till she’d stop at a particular Eastern White Pine tree. Her white pine was the tallest in the woodland.

Leaning in with one hand resting on the rough, sticky bark, this child of God would catch her breath, and calm her heart, while immersing in pine scent. After a short while, Tina’d sit on the mat of soft brown needles, legs outstretched, and lean against her tree to wait as long as it took, to rest, to fantasize and to feel safe. Her tree was her secret spot, her place to be alone, and nobody knew about it. She’d found it one day by accident, on a day when she needed a comfortable peace. Ever since then, it’s been her refuge. Sitting there gives her the strength she’ll need to go home again to face whatever troubles she’ll find there. Tina didn’t know that the Iroquois people, who once freely roamed all those lands, had called our Eastern White Pine -- the Tree of Great Peace.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, when we are challenged, we seek Your great peace. Be our refuge in troubled times; be our strength. Be present. Amen.

Today’s Thought Is: God is my refuge and my strength.

Sources:
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. NLV
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_White_Pine