Psalm 1:1-4
1 Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
The book of Psalms, of poetry, opens with a psalm that describes the difference between the blessed or happy and the wicked. People blessed are like trees planted by waters. They are signs of life. They yield leaves and fruit in season and thrive. They are patient and wait for the right time. Leaves might mean that they process the sap flowing through them productively for growth. Leaves reach out to the sun to absorb energy to convert usefully and catch rain as it falls. Wise people avoid the advice of the wicked nor keep company with scoffers. Could it mean that wise people avoid the quick, easy way that promises success with little effort – advice of the wicked? I think of scoffers as people who doubt and make fun of another. A scoffer is judgmental of others and not accurate in their evaluation of themselves.
Interestingly, trees do not choose who sits under them but they do drink water and life. Trees are useful for not only shade but also for fruit available to all people and their wood can be used by all to build. Trees don’t have favorites. If we think of the trees in Lord of the Rings, they are slow to grow and change – constancy and integrity. Trees have many qualities that speak of life as we use our imagination.
Does any of this touch your imagination today? If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you like to be – a tall cedar pointing to the sky, a fruit tree feeding others, or perhaps a flower bush that makes life beautiful for others? Pray over the qualities the tree of your life you would like to share. Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 