The Dogwood's Humble Strength

Drive anywhere around Roanoke right now and you will find the valley bursting with dogwood trees. Gorgeously dusting the area with their white or pink petals, these trees usually pop out in full bloom in late April. And this weekend, the town I reside in honors these trees with its 59th Annual Vinton Dogwood Festival - - a fun family event including craft booths, dancing shows, a carnival, parade, and my favorite - - funnel cakes. Thank you dogwood trees for providing us with another reason to eat those fabulous sweet treats!

The dogwoods have always been my most treasured spring tree. Delicate and fragile in appearance, they don't tower over other blooming trees like the pear, cherry, redbud, or tulip trees. The shape of the dogwood is intricate due to its branch structure. Many have multiple trunks and dozens of complex branches that allow them to grow in various directions. They do not dominate in stature. But their character and gracefulness is flawlessly unique and beautifully creative.

Dogwood trees also actually house some of the strongest wood. Dense and "highly prized for making loom shuttles, tool handles, roller skates, and other small items that require a very hard and strong wood," * the dogwood trees are not only beautiful, but also strong and useful.

Upon examining a white dogwood petal, it may symbolically be compared to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ - - with four points and rust stained edges - - it is a natural painting of the Lord's wounds on the cross. There is no better story of humility than that of the Lord who although fully God and One who could have waved His hand and destroyed His enemies, humbled Himself, suffered, and died for us. Jesus did not stand on a mountaintop and scream his worth to the world, forcing everyone to repent and follow His way or the highway. Nor did He proclaim His perfection. He humbly and perfectly lived it. Jesus completely broke Himself and prayed, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."

In all honesty, I don't think I would've taken what He took. When I am being attacked or am in an uncomfortable situation, my humanity wants to fight back, defend myself, even claim my own worthiness and then speak of the other person's unworthiness. Christ did not do those things, so neither should we. It is better not to participate and if necessary, to remove ourselves from the situation so as to not sin further or say something we will regret and never be able to take back. That is the stronger choice.

Overall, the dogwood tree is the beautiful representation of humility, delicate beauty, usefulness, and surprising strength. It is a picture of Christ-likeness. It's towering cousins may seem superior in appearance, similar to how people who pridefully puff themselves up may seem to have it all and think they are walking the better path. Personally, I prefer the dogwood tree over others, just like I am more comfortable interacting with and learning from people of humble and delicate character. I would also like to be that kind of person.

* Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornus_(genus)

Frying Pan Plan

As a child and young adult, I spent every summer visiting my grandmother on Cape Cod. Preparing for those summer trips was a lengthy process. That was because I made sure everything needed during the summer could be packed in one suitcase and a carry on bag to be flown from my home in California to Massachusetts. My pre-summer vacation routine involved making categorical checklists which to this day my parents still tease me about!

Old habits die hard I suppose, as a similar process was needed when we recently joined some friends on a camping trip. Due to it being early in the camping season with the likelihood of cold nights - - and because yours truly is not known for her camping prowess, we decided it best to rent a camper which had heat, a bathroom, relatively comfy beds, and a full kitchen. Preparations for this camping trip took much planning - - more than I realized! Bathroom supplies, clothes, bedding, kitchen utensils, and food for my husband, his three girls, and myself all had to be included.

We arrived at the campground, unloaded, and were pretty much set the first night. Awesome! What a planner I am! (Just stay tuned...) The next morning we had three hungry girls, a starving mama, and a papa ready and willing to prepare breakfast. It was eggs, bacon, and cereal time. Going in the fridge to grab the eggs, I also pulled out the bacon, orange juice, and milk. Up in the cabinet were the plates, utensils, cups, and cereal. All right! Let's cook those eggs! Oh dear. Guess who forgot the frying pan? That would be me. It is kind of crucial to have something to actually cook the eggs in! It is also a bit challenging to have a bowl of cereal when a certain someone (me again) forgot to pack the bowls. Ugh. But despite my forgetfulness, the girls made the best of it and used plastic cups to eat their cereal. Fortunately our friends also had a frying pan we could borrow to cook the eggs and bacon. Gaps in my flawed plan were filled and all was well.

No matter how much preparation we put into things, we are human. Our plans are bound to be thwarted by our own forgetfulness and humanity - - or by circumstances outside of our control. It is just the way of life that things usually don't go exactly how we think they will go. It can be very frustrating, especially if we put a ton of time and heart into our plans. However, those are the times when God often steps in, cleans up our messes, and provides just what we need. He reminded me of my planning imperfection that camping weekend - - as well as His ability to perfectly provide.

"In their hearts humans plan their course,

but the Lord establishes their steps." Proverbs 16:9