Terebinth

The Spiritual Waiting Room 

Terebinth

Aromatic Fruitful

Budding Blossoming Shading

The Oak of Abraham

Sprig

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:  Sirach 24: 16 to 22

"I spread out my branches like a terebinth. My branches are amazing and graceful. I birth forth delights like a vine; my flowers are splendid and fruitful. You will never forget my sweetness for it tastes like honey and is even better than the honeycomb!When you eat of me, you will still be hungry; and when you drink of me, you will still be thirsty. When you obey me, you will never taste shame; and when you serve me, you will never be lost."

(scripture adapted by John J. McNamara)

Reflection:

What a great image of God! Can't you just picture a huge tree with its branches over your head giving you shade on a hot day?

I've had that experience so many times! Recently we were upstate in a park for a Birthday picnic for our granddaughter, Phoebe. It was a hot day and it was refreshing to go in the lake.

When it came time to eat our lunch and enjoy some Birthday Cupcakes, we found some shade and it felt twenty degrees cooler. We all felt so refreshed.

Don't you think that is the way God wants us to feel?

The fruit of the terebinth is very sweet smelling. Just imagine yourself now under that big tree, cooling off, and the you smell that sweet aroma!

Blessing on top of blessing.

So many times I feel that way with God. I wake up to the blessing of a day filled with sunshine and then I get to enjoy the blessing of a delicious breakfast.

I take a walk outside and I see some amazing roses that are flowering. As I am admiring the roses, I hear a bird serenading me with a soul stirring song.

What did I do to deserve this?

That's right----absolutely nothing!

The acorn in Kathy's photo is just like you and me. We start small and then through the grace of God we can grow into a mighty tree that towers over the landscape and spreads its branches to refresh and renew us.

Enjoy a few quiet moments under that Terebinth now. Feel the calming power of God's gentle breeze and listen to the sweet song of God's care.

Allow yourself to be BLESSED!

1. Were there times in your life when you were like a Terebinth to someone by offering them rest and renewal?

2. Do you see a need sometimes to withdraw into the shade to reflect on your life? 

3. As you faced times of transition in your life, who were some of the people who encouraged and helped you?