No Regrets
If you’ve read A Simple Note for any length of time, you know about my backyard tree, a Chinese tallow - my favorite feature of this in-city property. It has made the insufferable Houston summers bearable.
Until now.
In last year’s drought, my 50-year-old tree died. We were told by the tree surgeon that 50 years is the typical lifespan for the tallow; insufficient water and heat pushed it to its end.
Unfortunately, the tree had to be removed while we were out of town last month because it began to shed its largest branches, threatening the power lines we share with a neighbor.
When we arrived home, it was gone - only a patch of sawdust remined.
RIP Favorite Tree
Sad though I am, I know that for all living things, death is a part of life. Whether it be trees or land, pets or people, the time we have on this earth is limited and it’s a gift. Just as my tree gave us much needed shade, our sweet dog Dune gives us love and devotion, and our family celebrates with joy when we’re all together - each is a priceless gift for a finite amount of time determined by God.
Surrendering to God’s timing means accepting this moment with all of its gifts and complexities and challenges. It means living with intentional gratitude the way Jesus taught. It means leaving behind the distractions of pettiness and insignificances and instead taking hold of what matters most.
It means living a life of love.
And it means no regrets.
So while I will miss the shade of my tree this summer, its absence will remind me to live with gratitude in the moments I have right now. To examine which God-given gifts I might be taking for granted. To see where I am missing it - both in things done and things left undone.
The chance to sit under the shade of my tree is now gone; but every day I have the opportunity to choose love and gratitude for all that I have.
Lord, help me to treasure every gift You give me, especially the chance to live a life of love for all my days. It is Your glory and honor that I seek today and always.
No regrets.
Today is a GOOD day!