It was a bit of a dreich day when we gathered, but that didn’t dampen proceedings.
We practiced looking at the trees, and we read from the bible. As the day was colder than usual this gathering was a bit more active than the contemplative speculation we often default to!
Is the a dry wit when Jesus talks of a judge helping a widow just to stop her persistently bugging him? I think his point is that God loves us much more than a grumpy judge would. We spent some time gathering leaves and looking at them. The amazing range of colours can be seen when you lay them all out in colour order. Can you identify which species they come from?
Perhaps practicing this sort of care, and attention to detail, provide a basis for learning to ‘see’ and care for trees. Could is be comparable with combing the hair of your child or a loved one and the way that caring for them builds up a deep relationship over the years? (especially when they are awkward and like leaves blow where the wind wills). Imagine what it would be like as generations lived amongst the same trees. Trees that their grandparents related to.
We also had some fun making the leaves into leaf animals while we warmed up with some hot drinks. During this We linked up with Ireland and a forest glade which is being formed. The question posed there was “what is a weed?” Finally we prayed together, joining in with the trees, but we are able to use words.
We will gather again on November the 16th