THE PARKING LOT TREE

September 1, 2008

It’s supposed to be a quick run to Kmart to shop for a few things before leaving on a road trip.

But when I come out to the car and turn the key, all I hear are a few clicks and then nothing! Likely a dead battery, probably because of a door that wasn’t shut properly the night before and the “quick” run to the store is no longer going to be “Quick.”

I call my husband and while I wait, wasting time, I look around to see what I can see. Maybe God has a reminder in this for me – something for me to consider.

(I have learned to stop, and pay attention. . . to Look up, look down, look around and see what God might have for me. )

But what am I going to see in a KMart parking lot in the suburbs?

And then I spot the tree. . . the only thing of beauty among the signs, stores, concrete, cars, trucks, and light poles . . .

I pray:  God, help me be like that tree, providing refreshment and beauty to those I meet as I move through the chaos of suburbia and ugly parking lots.

Jumper cables and husband arrive and soon we are on our way to Pennsylvania for a niece’s wedding.