A Tulip Tree

Today, Easter Sunday, was a lovely reminder of my Faith. After Easter services and an enormous dinner with family and friends, I took my Mother to the cemetery where my Dad was buried almost seven months ago.  Mother wanted to place spring flowers on Dad's grave.   Because the winter was so bleak and wet, I had not been back to the cemetery.  Honestly, I felt no need to go.   But today was a gloriously warm, blue-sky day and it felt right in my heart to honor my earthly father.

No tears were shed today.   Why would anyone of Faith shed tears on Easter Sunday?  If I truly believe that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (and I do), why would I weep over my Dad's grave?  Only his shell lies in that grave; I have reason to rejoice!  "Oh death where is your victory?  Oh grave, where is your sting?"   NOT HERE!!!

Near his grave stands a magnificent tulip tree arrayed in majestic Easter frock.  I stood under the tree and gazed into its branches marveling at nature's manifold witness of spring renewal.  In the cemetery, under the tree, in a shower of soft petals, I worshipped and praised my Heavenly Father.

This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears

All nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father's world

I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,

His hands the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise,

The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise.

This is my Father's world

He shines in all that's fair;

In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;

He speaks to me everywhere.

 

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!  

And thanks for reading, Rosie.