Miracle at the Tree
Life is filled with a lot of days which unfold pretty much as we expect; a lot of ‘same ole, same ole.’ That’s not a complaint, just an observation. However, surprises periodically puncture these predictable rhythms, sometimes dismaying us, and other times leaving us amazed. I’d like to share a recent example of the latter.
The weather was pleasant when I came home from work two weeks ago and Kristin and I decided to go for a walk. Our neighbors across the street happened to be out front and we made a spur of the moment plan to walk together. Tyler and Malari are a sweet young couple about our kids’ age and we’ve enjoyed getting acquainted since they moved in a year ago. I am grateful Tyler gave his blessing to share this story.
As we walked, Tyler updated us on his dear grandfather whose health was failing fast. This grief was magnified by the fact that Grandpa Dan was Tyler’s primary father figure after his parents tragically died when he was four. Sharing a burden together is one of the bittersweet benefits of real relationships and I could feel the importance of this time we were having.
Our route through the neighborhood took us to a house with a magnificent tree in the front yard. Kristin and I walk this way often just to enjoy the tree and we were excited to share the joy with our friends. When we arrived, the homeowners happened to be out front enjoying the evening. In our many trips past this spot, this was the first time we had a chance to meet the residents. I was happy for an opportunity to let them know how much we enjoyed looking at their beautiful place with its signature tree.
Steve and Debbie, who are about my age, were delightfully gracious and we all began getting acquainted. In the exchange, Steve and Tyler discovered they had both lived in the same part of Portland. In fact, the same neighborhood, even the same street! Tyler described his grandpa’s house, and Steve suddenly realized he was talking to the orphaned son of his good friend who had tragically died 30 years ago. Steve was in tears as he had always wondered what had become of the kids. Tyler was also deeply moved as he began to hear stories about his dad he had never heard.
We all watched and listened to this miracle unfold with delighted amazement. Yes, I believe the word ‘miracle’ fits, since the odds of all these details lining up are astronomical. Yet it happened.
When we got back home, the four of us huddled up in the street and I thanked God for directing our steps to orchestrate such a powerfully meaningful connection. God gave this precious gift four days before he called Grandpa Dan home.
For each of us who were there that day, this providential meeting keeps running through our heads, amazing us that it happened. I cannot help thinking of the greatest miracle, when the Son of God willingly allowed himself to be nailed to a Roman cross to pay the penalty for our sin. God ordered all the details of history to orchestrate this one climactic event, providing complete forgiveness for all who humbly receive Christ as Savior. This is the True Miracle at the Tree, of which our recent experience was just an echo.
Pastor Toby
Categories: Evergreen Connection