A Tree of Love

Despite all the difficulties that this last year has brought, one thing that I have particularly enjoyed, is all the walking I have been able to do, especially the walks that we have done as a family. Thankfully, I managed to get over my initial fear of going out walking in such a large group. I had been afraid of all the glances and potential comments that could be made about us all together, and thought no-one would believe we were all from the one household!! I found this rather amusing.

We have managed to explore lots of the local area together. We've tackled some longer walks than we would normally have tried and we have even climbed a few hills as well!! I think I've climbed the Cairn Table 3 times since August 🙈. When the restrictions were in place, which prevented us leaving our local district, we managed to find some lovely new spots to sit and enjoy. Under normal circumstances we would have all bundled into the car and drove off to a popular scenic place, when in fact, we have had similar spots on our doorstep all along. I have been known to drag friends along to a lovely spot just along from where we live, with our picnic or bbq, reassuring them that it is just a short walk along the river. After ten minutes of humphing all our bags over the uneven ground they begin to doubt my promise of a 'lovely spot'!! 😂

One walk in particular, that I discovered, which is in Auchinleck Estate, follows a beautiful path along the side of the river Lugar. Having walked up to the Estate, from my house with a friend, we decided that we wanted to try and find a different route back home. After a few phone calls home to my teenage sons, we had a vague idea of where we were going. It was nice to find a new path and we set off to try some exploring, dragging our two daughters behind us. 😁

The good thing about these last 12 months is that all these paths are well worn now and once you find yourself on a path, there are plenty of footprints to follow. We confidently followed them along side the winding river.

At several points a few trees have fallen over in high winds and you need to step over these in order to continue the walk. At one point a huge tree has snapped in half, and fallen across the path. Having stepped over this tree and looked back, there in the middle of the trunk, at the point where the tree had broken in half, was the shape of a huge love heart.

Looking at this tree and at this enormous love heart, I was reminded of another tree, where the greatest demonstration of love was ever shown. The tree at Calvary, where Jesus died on the cross.

Jesus did not die there on that tree, simply because men wanted him dead. Jesus willingly gave up his life, out of love.

‘The Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.’ Galatians 2:20

In the garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered into the world. This sin, sadly condemns us all to a life far from God, and from the one He had intended for us. God is holy, and while we are sinners, He cannot have the relationship with us that He desires. The bible says that ‘For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son,’ God loved us so much, that He made a way where we could once again have a personal relationship with Him. He gave the most precious thing that He had, His son, Jesus. In order to provide this way, Jesus took the punishment for all of our sin, on the cross at calvary.

“This is real love- not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” 1 John 4:10

All that God asks, is that we accept that Jesus died there on that tree, for us. That we acknowledge it was our sin that he bore the punishment for, and believe that God raised him from the dead 3 days later, so that we might have a new life, in relationship with God.

“If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9

As I think about this tree, with the heart shape, I am reminded that it wasn’t the nails that held Jesus to the cross, but love.

I have to admit, I think it was the 5th time I did this walk before I noticed the love heart in the tree. The previous times, I had been too busy, concentrating on the obstacle itself, maneuvering my way over the big trunk, that I had missed it. I can't help but smile at this thought, because so often I am the same with obstacles and difficulties in my life.

Oftentimes, it isn't until after a particular trial or problem, when I look back, I can see God's love demonstrated in the midst of it. It isn't until afterwards, when I stop clambering my way through, I can see how God's love has been protecting me, guiding me and strengthening me. I become too focused on the problem, too consumed in trying to find my way out that I forget to pause, look back and see God

"Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life - for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever."

Psalm 138:7-8