Where trees never fall

Yesterday I did something that I have only done a handful of times in the past ten years, I forgot to write Words for the Day. Normally I write it first thing in the morning, but yesterday I went directly to writing my book. I did this because I am writing a particularly complex part of the book and I wanted to tackle it while fresh and I decided that I would write WFTD later.

I usually write from around 4 or 5 AM until about 7:30 until my employees start showing up and then I meet with them about various projects. After I get them going I go back to writing sporadically throughout the day. Yesterday though I had a consultant visiting our place and in addition to dealing with employees, I got caught up in everything he was working on and flat out forgot about it. I guess I’m getting old.

Some will be tempted to chide me about getting old, but the alternative is to die young. My son reminded me last night that it is not beyond the realm of possibility to die young either. A few days ago he, my wife and I were looking at a place to build a scenic park on our property with an architect from Atlanta. We have several majestic 350 year old live oaks with Spanish moss draped across them in a beautiful grassy area and we walked around the area for some time discussing where we should locate picnic tables and such.

We then went back to my office to discuss it and in a few minutes some workers called over and said that one of those huge four foot diameter trees had just fallen. I could not believe it. It was not windy and no one was around the tree. It just fell over. We went to inspect it and a chill came down my spine as I noticed that it had fallen right where we had been standing. We would all have likely been crushed and killed had we stayed around a little longer. Whew!

Yesterday I was riding my horse and I noticed my wife talking with some people. I rode over and said hello and my little dog Cooper was enamored by my horse. He started following me when I rode away and I was afraid the horse would step on him. Cooper’s legs are about four inches long and I figured that the 1600 lb. horse with his huge stature would leave him far behind, but Cooper was pumping his little legs as fast as they would go and keeping up. I kicked my horse and brought him to full canter in order to get away from him and as I galloped across our sprawling yard my horse ran across an area that had recently been filled in with dirt that was very soft. When the horse hit it going full speed his feet sunk in and he stumbled and very nearly went down to his knees. I very nearly went flying off over his neck, but managed to hang on. Whew!

Should I give up horseback riding? That makes no more sense to me than giving up walking under massive oak trees that have stood for 350 years. Basically I believe that when your number is up and the Lord calls you home, there is little that can be done.

One of the dump truck drivers that has been working on my property experienced just such a tragedy a couple of weeks ago. His wife, their twin 13 year old sons, and her mother were going to church and had stopped in the road awaiting another car to pass so they could turn when a 22 year old kid topped a hill and slammed into their car; (he was texting one of his friends at the time). One of the twins was killed as was the grandmother. His wife very nearly died and the other twin was seriously hurt as well.

Today could be your turn or mine. We just never know. We cannot quit driving cars, walking under trees, or enjoying hobbies and live in fear. The Bible tells us to trust in the Lord and walk boldly through this life. And when the Lord does call us home, remember it should be a celebration for the person who gets the call, (provided they have accepted Jesus as their Savior), because they have just entered paradise where there will never be a sign of a tear or sadness again. We will miss them for sure and we should grieve the loss, but with the full understanding that we can take comfort in knowing that they are walking with Jesus in majestic parks where the trees will never fall

Unlike the lost souls on this earth, we have a promise that we will never be abandoned and no matter what tragedy may befall us in this fallen world, He will keep us safe and sound. Now that should comfot us all this morning.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord.
And He delights in his way.
Though he may fall, he shall not be
utterly cast down.
For the Lord upholds him with
His hand.