The Tree Song

I bought a Tablet when I was going through my cancer treatments. I must admit, I was very slow in using it. It's taken about a year to really feel comfortable with it. And, now, I'm getting some enjoyment from it.

The other evening I was listening to music videos on youtube. I've been pulling up music from the 60s and 70s that I use to listen to, both secular and Christian.  Last evening I found some songs by Evie, who I enjoyed when I was first saved.

I remembered I especially enjoyed one of her songs but I couldn't remember what it was about. When I saw the title The Tree Song, I knew that was it. Its on an album for children, titled "A Little Song for my little Friends" and I loved the entire album! I was just a new believer in 1978 when it came out and my love of nature drew me to it. Just a simple song about a tree that stayed in my mind.

Here are the words:

"I saw a tree by the riverside, One day as I walked along,
Straight as an arrow and pointing to the sky growing tall and strong
How do you grow so tall and strong I said to the riverside tree,
This is the song that my tree friend sang to me.

"I've got roots growing down to the water,
I've got leaves growing up to the sunshine and the fruit that I bear is a sign of life in me,
I am shade from the hot summer sundown,  I am nest for the birds of the heaven,
I'm becoming what the Lord of trees has meant me to be.

"I saw a tree by the city street where buildings blocked the sun,
Green and lovely I could see it gave joy to everyone.
How do you grow in the city streets I said to the downtown tree,
This is the song that my tree friend sang to me." Chorus

Ah, becoming what the Lord has meant me to be. That was special to me as I started my walk with God. Can He use me? Where do I fit in?

One of my greatest disappointments in those early years was I believed I'd never be able to work in a church office. I was divorced. I knew I wouldn't qualify.

But that disappointment turned to joy when many years later I was asked to work in the church office. Even from our failures, He can turn sorrow into joy, and use us as He wills. As my friend, Mary Jo, recently shared, He gives us the desire of our hearts when our hearts delight in Him!

I later went on to the Baptist Convention, another opportunity I would have thought impossible. But the God of the impossible is able to do what He wants. As the song says, "I'm becoming what the Lord of [me] has meant me to be."

"For with God nothing will be impossible." Luke 1:37

Another song I listened to last evening is: "Friends Are Friends Forever," by Michael W. Smith. It identified with my strong feelings about being a friend. I loved it then and I love it now!

I especially like the chorus and second verse:

(Chorus)
"And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say "Never"
Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends

"With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong"

I think I'm really beginning to like my little tablet. It's helping me to remember special things, and does come in handy when I'm looking something up.

Now, I wonder when I'll get rid of my flip phone for a Smart one! Some things just take time.