Oh, I've often been aware of their beauty.
As a kid, I climbed among their strong branches and up their trunks, at times even attempting to construct a house in the air.
Occasionally I've cursed the unruliness of certain varieties.
And, I've enjoyed the shade provided to my mostly all-window back porch.
But as far as the personal, actual value, the utility of a tree, I've been in the dark most of my life.
Standing on "the Corner" changed that for me.
We've been out there most weeks for the past 15 months.
During that time, I've learned to take refuge under a very ugly, unwieldy tree.
But, strangely, the tree has become my friend.
In the rain, it acts as a needed umbrella.
In the heat, it provides more than welcome shade.
Even in the winter, windy cold, it blocks the sting of freezing temperatures.
As I've related to the tree, it has occurred to me that trees are in large part a generous gift to people who have no home.
I truly believe God made trees for people like the ones I meet with on "the Corner" every Thursday afternoon.
Somehow I just can't look at trees the same anymore.
Judged by the music of their songs, I expect the birds agree with me.
