Grown-Ups Don't Climb Trees

But I do. I went for a walk the other day along the waterfront. It was another beautiful Indian Summer day and the leaves were spectacular. The air was a crisp cool and along the water the sun shown down and danced like stars upon its black surface.

It wasn't until I was on my way back that I noticed it. The tree seemed like a large old grandmother holding out her strong arms for a hug, and I went right for it. It was a willow tree after all and something about willow trees always seem to have a feminine melancholy air to them. About four feet up the trunk of the tree it split into a perfect seat and there were plenty of knots and ragged slices of bark that worked well as easy hand and foot holds for me to climb. It was meant to be.

So I hiked myself up into its branches, turned around and nestled myself down in the center of the tree. The branches came so far down and since its leaves were still on it, I was hidden in plain sight. I sat there by the water, hidden in the tree and just rested. I leaned my head back and listened to the swishing of the branches in the wind. I listened to the water lapping up again the stone wall. I listened to people having conversations below me and smiled to myself because I could hear and see them, but they had no idea I was even there.

I don't know how long I sat there, but I sat there a long time; until I was done. I sat there like a kid. A kid with nowhere to go, nothing to do, no money in my pockets, not a care in the world...carefree.

In that tree, I was not a woman with a job to do. I was not a woman with responsibilities, or bills to pay. I was not a woman. I was just a kid again.
Sometimes, we need moments of remembering what it's like to be a kid. Sometimes, it's the grown-ups who forget to think outside the box and it's the kids that do. Kids climb trees. Kids don't worry about the economy. Kids don't worry about who's going to provide for them, or how they are going to make their way in life.

Children are carefree. That's how God wants us to be in our trust of Him. Carefree that it's all been taken care of. If we are not careful, we will miss it because of the concerns and worries of this present world. If I was so worried about my own "worries", I promise you I would have missed that lovely tree. I would have missed that opportunity to sit and rest and enjoy the lovely little experience that God gave me. He knows what I like and even though it was in front of my face I could have missed it, but I didn't. Why? Because I was thinking about Him. I was focused on Him and in seeking Him, He opened His hand and in it was a tree for me to climb. Not even because I asked for it, but because He's my Father and He knows me well.

Matthew 6:32,33

32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Disclaimer: The last time I climbed a tree I ripped my pants, right proper. So if you are a tree climber like me or even if you're not, proceed with caution when climbing and be up for anything. :)