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Dear Friends,

What do you love most about summer? For my money you can’t beat a day at the beach. As kids we used to take our annual holiday at St Anne’s on Sea – just next door to Blackpool. We had so many happy times running amok in the dunes and building sandcastles – do you remember those special flags you could get to put on the top?

Sand is special stuff. As every child learns at primary school, it’s made from rocks that have been worn down over millions of years by wind and water. In a way, we are like those rocks – not because we look weather beaten as we age! – But because we are always changing. After the summer holidays some of our younger friends will change schools or classes. For us older folk, change will come in other forms, perhaps a new job, home, or friendship. Every season of our lives is an opportunity to enter more deeply into the mystery of Divine Love. So surely we should welcome change? 

Except most of us don’t! Indeed, thanks to Google I discovered there is even a word to describe fear of change: Metathesiophobia. I think I might have that! How about you? If so, you might like to take comfort from the story of the reluctant oak tree. As with all oak trees, this tree began as a little acorn, and it was very happy with its lot, having no desire at all to become a tree. Indeed, it had heard terrifying tales about trees that had been cut down or struck by lightning. ‘No thank you!’ said the little acorn to itself. It settled comfortably in the grass, and in the days and weeks that followed, sank snugly into the soil beneath. Yet the sun and rain had other ideas, and in time the acorn became a small green shoot. The acorn was not at all happy with this development and resolved to resist further growth with every fibre of its being.

It just so happened that the park keeper noticed this fragile shoot and began to nurture it. Before it knew what was happening, the shoot was on its way to becoming a sapling! It was devastated and firmly resolved that it would not grow any leaves. But the park keeper was nothing if not persistent, and continued to care assiduously for this tender young tree. He fastened it against a stake to help it withstand strong winds, and regularly pruned its branches. In early spring, the first buds appeared, followed by the first leaves.

The young oak tree decided that this would truly be the end of the road: it definitely did not want any more change. With all its might, it forbade each leaf from changing colour in the autumn. But the gentle gardener had other plans. He continued to watch over the tree. He watered its roots and fertilized the ground beneath it. Over time, its leaves changed to a rich red. Groups of people began to gather, gazing in awe at the beauty of these blazing leaves against the autumn sky. The huge oak tree became a generous home for human beings, animals, and birds. Yet it had still not come to terms with its lot. Then something happened that led to a seismic shift. A storm blew up, wreaking havoc. The next morning the park keeper came and saw that many of the oak tree’s branches were broken. He carefully cut them away and tended to the damage.

After working for a long time at the base of the tree, the park keeper paused and turned his face towards the tree. The oak tree looked down at this man, whose countenance radiated wisdom, love and acceptance. And at that moment, something fundmntal changed for the tree. Rather than becoming resigned to its fate or tolerating its lot, it now recognized its life as a blessing. Its leaves rustled in the wind as it breathed in a new found serenity and uttered a wholehearted ‘yes’! 

The Lord cares for us just as that park keeper did the tree. He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), but loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) and will stop at nothing to bring us to the fullness of life which is his gift. (John 10:10) Wow! Good news indeed and a great way to begin Summer! Happy growing everyone. 

Your friends,
Esther and Jessie the Vicarage Dog  xx