I got back from my long walk and was glad to touch my tree. I have mentioned it before: barren, no bark, but it has flourished with a multitude of leaves. The other trees around it have bark and are losing their leaves, but not the tree outside of my apartment. The leaves are still on its branches.
I have compared this tree to me. I have said I am like that tree; I have been stripped of my bark so that I would be fruitful for the Lord. That is what it took for me to acknowledge Him 'fully' in my daily life.
This is what my neighbors witness each day: They see a man who rides a bike to work and home, and who will run laps around the complex, and will take long walks to places he needs to go. He is always positive and listens to an mp3 player. He goes to church every Sunday and plays a Christian radio station on his stereo daily. He opens up his sliding glass door so that the sound of the radio can be heard around him. He never stops reflecting goodness and perseverance.
One of these neighbors noticed I spent the day alone. When I got back from my long walk, he came across and walked up my stairs and knocked on the door. I did not know what to think of this. I walked out onto my balcony and looked around the corner and saw him. "We made a lot of food, so I brought you a plate." I walked back inside and opened my door. He continued,"I want you to have this food because we have more than enough to share."
I had some eggs and sausage this morning for my meal. I wasn't expecting to have a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal. Then, my youngest son called and we talked for about an hour. He told me about the time he and his older brother spent with their mom and her family today. They called their sister and went to see her after they left their mom's place.
I was enjoying my meal when I got cold and trembly. I was experiencing something deeply personal - not medically. I have explained this in the past, but will not this time. I don't like sharing exact details about this - it hurts too much. But, I am very happy about it. It was a good thing to experience.
This was indeed a very special Thanksgiving Day. Thank you, Lord.