Hope for redemption - a forlorn tree

I was given an assignment to do a devotion: to talk and listen to a tree. Yes, you heard me right - to talk and listen to a tree. Instead of pouncing on the clear panetheistic and agnostic overtones and discuss heretical issues, I decided to take on another tact: I talked with my wife who said I should just "be me". So I thought for a moment, and here's what I did below that evening in prose:

I went on a trip to take a walk, and found a tree

Seeing the fruit on the tree I began to pick one up

A ripe fruit for my taste

Like wisdom to my soul, it was like honey in my mouth

Sweet and satisfying

with a future that is great (Proverbs 24:13-14)

Then I noticed a tree beside it and felt its leaves

Its bark was rough, an unforgiving complexion

With barren branches that wouldn't stop

This tree had no fruit, no gift to share

It was more than just forlorn; it seemed like a tree that didn't care

So I grabbed a hatchet and began to chop

While hacking at the base of the tree, I did not hear a complaint

No loud talk of injustice or wailing. No whispers of regret

It just broke off from the base and died.

When it was finished I held the lifeless tree in hand

Wondering if this looked like the tree our Lord cursed

A fig tree tossed away and denied.

I then wondered if like this tree, that Christ while on earth would have looked forlorn to me

He did not talk or recuse from his plight. Jesus did not fight or give whispers of regret

He just solemnly died on a tree, and went to the grave

What this tree cannot do as I lay it down, is come back to life

Until Christ returns, the tree and i wait for redemption anew

For the One who is mighty with power to save.

Update on activities of a Chaplain Candidate

Update on activities:

Hello from your friendly neighborhood Chaplain Candidate.

After a week of being counselor at kid's camp at Trinity Pines, I've just finished 4 weeks in the desert with third tank batallion and a field artillery batallion. I was awarded a commenorative coin by the brigade commander for efforts of sustainment during their Annual Training (a rare honor I'm told). Thankfully through multiple suicide prevention briefs, counselings, a Red Cross murder notice, and other situations I was able to learn and grow while bringing the reality of God's grace into the midst of soldiers.

Still looking for work and resting in God's hands. My three kids now all ride bikes successfully (my older two boys 2with autism now finally "get it" ;-) so we'll be riding together more. My wife and daughter both have health issues possibly needing surgery in the next few months. Your prayers are appreciated.

I'm working towards ordination while work searching and serving with the IDARNG. Thanks be to God for His mercy and grace in these times. I hope to always be a help and not a hindrance to those I protect and serve.