Willow, Faithful Friend

 Ever since my childhood days, willow trees have been my favorite of the deciduous tools that hold the power to transport you to another world; and as a child, that was the only thing I had wanted to do – escape. So, years later, when I found myself living on property that housed one of these precious creations of God, I was ecstatic. Many times I have spread a blanket out under her long and flowing limbs as they cradled my spirit within their warm embrace. My willow tree’s tears would softly fall around me, bathing me in her peaceful protection. As I would settle onto her strong lap and lean against her sturdy trunk, it felt as if the arms of God held me tight – encouraging me to dream. 

Willow’s long and weepy branches held wealth enough to buy me a first-class passage back to my childhood days, where adventures and dreams were as free as the air we breathe and imaginations were Mary-Poppins-worthy.   The 180-degree circle of her graceful limbs sprouted green and yellow buds that were reminiscent of the bright beads on a necklace, perhaps like those from the transcendental era of hippies and free-love.  Their magical potential to invoke dreams of other worlds and distant lands appealed to my inner lass, who had long been forgotten and lost among grown-up responsibilities and daily to-do lists.
 
When life barrels by us like a freight train carrying important cargo, I find myself wanting to escape, as I did when I was a naive little girl so full of hope. Willow never disappoints that little girl tucked away inside this adult woman of God.  She has always allowed me freedom of expression – to cry, to laugh, to be angry, to be loud, and, to even be quiet.  She is a faithful friend and sweet generator of dreams.  When the wind is blowing a breeze through her wafting branches, I feel safe and full of hope again, and isn't that what being a good friend is really all about anyway?! 

"The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about...and ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees...and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God..." (Job 40:22, Lev. 23:40a,b )