.....The giant Catalpa tree, with its elephant-ear-like leaves, stood over us as we grew up. The tree provided shade as we passed under it, coming and going from our home. As the seasons changed the tree flowered and gave us beauty. In the winter the tree stood barren like a solitary sentinel, guarding the entrance to our home. In the spring the tree would grow new leaves, beckoning the birds, and the birds came to the tree and sang and gave us joy.
As times and needs changed the tree was eventually cut down. A sadness came over me as I stood watching the tree being cut down. I felt almost naked standing in the sun without the tree.
The thought came to me that I would make something out of a piece of the tree and give it to each of my children as a reminder to give thanks for all the beauty, abundance and joy that God provides. So, in a small way, the Catalpa tree serves us still.
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