Warmth Provided

Sometimes the things you want to do take a back seat to the things that get in the way. Writing this blog and sharing my various musing with those who would take the time to read it is something I really enjoy. And yet, it's been months since I last took the time to put something up here. It would be easy enough to say I've been busy with more important stuff. However, the truth is that if I had limited my dallying around on Facebook, I could have had a good many more posts. So, call it a resolution if you will. I plan to be a bit more disciplined about this small part of life in the coming year.

The subject of much of this blog is wood; trees and the things that can be made from this amazing God-given miracle. Today was a pretty relaxing one and the intermittent sunshine invited me to the woods. A dead White Oak tree had caught my attention a couple days ago and, just as with my writing, my firewood gathering was a bit behind as well. A couple hours of cutting, hauling and splitting (about all this old body is up to anymore) and the wood pile looks a bit healthier. What a blessing to be able to go out the back door and harvest what has been provided.

The tree I cut was one of hundreds in the area that succumbed to a combination of Gypsymoth defoliation and seasons of drought. The first invasion of Gypsymoths was back in the '70's in this area and the sickening feeling that our forest would be destroyed was overpowering. As it turns out, most trees were not killed and the ones that were had a culling affect that made for better growth in the survivors, not unlike what happens in the animal world with a balance of prey and predator. This kind of observation is what has been a faith builder for me. I no longer fear what may happen to me or the trees. There is a plan for both and it would appear that the two are intended to blend together. The comfort derived from my stack of firewood pales in comparison to the warmth that overcomes me when I acknowledge how much Our Creator cares for me and you.

So, Happy New Year to all and may the blessings that attend the faithful be with you in the coming days. Be grateful for the provision that has been guaranteed. Hopefully the next post will be more timely.