see what a tree can do

Late winter, when the snows begin to recede and the daytime temperatures rise above freezing, is the brief sapping season at the Convent. The surrounding woods is a veritable sugarbush so there is no shortage of trees from which to choose from. Small and medium sized trees are bypassed until years later, but the large ones are targeted and tapped. Over time some proved to supply more sap than others, yet there are one or two on the far side of the school's basketball court that readily flow far greater than the others. Although the Sisters were grateful for all the trees in the vicinity, these specimens were dubbed Grandfather and Grandmother Maples, perhaps because of their girth and long life, but also because of their unconditional generosity. They were accorded genuine respect and they are still loved to this day even when they are occasionally outdone by their neighbors.

A tree can do that. When you come to know it, not solely for the visceral value it provides, but simply because of it being a living being, that relationship can change you. It only requires an adjustment in perspective. It's important to remember that it's not the tree that changes, but only our perception. The tree is always there, quietly doing its tree business, it is we who become aware that there is more life than just our own limited physical presence. As such, our reality becomes just a little bit larger than it was before. We become more than ourselves and our natural compassion extends beyond our own needs.

This is what Peter, James, and John experience at the transfiguration of Jesus. We are told that the appearance of Jesus' face changed and his clothes became dazzling white. But somehow that can't be what happened. The Master was always such - he did not change, only those who saw him were. Luke continues; "Suddenly they saw," and as their eyes were opened to the majesty of god in man, they became aware of a new possibility. Even though the classical Christian interpretation is to reveal the divinity of only Jesus in that moment, I believe that the understanding of the divine indwelling in all humankind is what truly broadened their worldview and thus changed them forever. The disciples became a part of a greater whole, one which they could not see before, but once the potential was revealed it became indisputable.

As I was driving to my parent's house Wednesday night, I noticed for the first time a statuesque sight. Two houses down from their driveway stood a tall pine tree which stood out from the rest of the hillside. I have driven this road perhaps thousands of times in the 30-plus years they have lived there, but never once had I seen this beauteous giant. Its twisting shape revealed patches of spare limbs and smooth reddish bark. The green-needled branches stretching horizontally struck me with awe. How could I have missed this tree all these years? Of course, it was always there, it didn't change, but now it is a part of my reality. Just like Peter, James, and John, the future will look different because of the recognition of the gracious divine presence dwelling among us. This tree will remind me to be grateful, not only of its individual existence, but for the landscape in which it dwells and all who live thereby. It's simply amazing what a tree can do.

love, always,

pia