This is a favorite tree in our yard – a beautiful Japanese maple. We don’t know how old it is but it became our tree when we purchased our house over 24 years ago.

Ever since we moved in, its been our kids’ climbing tree with its low steady branches and sturdy trunk.  With fondness, I remember being a bit anxious as I watched our kids climb higher and higher up the tree.  In hindsight, it wasn’t very high.

I remember, also with anxiety, how a large dump truck damaged the tree when it hit a large branch and almost caused the tree to twist down to its roots.  Thankfully, the tree survived the trauma although it took a couple years for it to recover.

Every year, during three seasons out of four, its leaves take on different colors depending on the season. I can’t say which color version of the leaves is my favorite but when I stop to appreciate this tree, it always puts a smile on my face.

In particular, I am thankful for the simple ordinary things in our lives that has a special beauty of their own. We just have to stop and notice them and appreciate its beauty.

The following poem by New Jersey-born Joyce Kilmer is also one of my favorites.  I love it for its simplicity as well as how the poet sees the beauty of God in our every-day, yet amazing world.

Trees

By Joyce Kilmer
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

 

 

What are you thankful for on this Thankful Thursday?

Festival of Leaves Photo Challenge

Jennie’s Thankful Thursday Post

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