The Shade Tree

I remember sitting under a big shade tree with my friend when I was little. We would bring a little snack, some books to read and then just sit and chat, enjoying the comfort of the day under the big oak tree. It seemed like nothing could go wrong under that tree. The big blanket we lounged upon would become home to the occassional ant, but in general all of our needs and desires were met as we sat beneath that tree.

You know, as I get older, I find myself seeking out the same comfort from shade trees. This summer at a baseball game in our town, I had my little niece with me. She was getting tired from the long day of playing with her cousins and she crawled up into my lap. As she dozed off, the heat of the summer sun came down upon her perfectly white, unblemished skin and drops of sweat began to form on my forehead. I searched for a tree to provide relief and happily settled in under the shade of a small tree out near the left field of the baseball diamond.

RELIEF. COMFORT. CARE. 

"The Lord is your keeper, the Lord is your shade at your right hand." 

Psalm 121:5

It seems to me that this verse sums up those feelings of comfort but with regard to finding that shade in Christ Jesus. Praise God He provides the shade! Praise God He gives us the comfort, the relief, the care! 

PRAISE GOD FOR THE SHADE!