Thelma

When I first moved into the house that is now my home, Thelma introduced herself. She and I became quick friends. She accompanied me on many mornings as I drank my cup of coffee and woke up for the day. She helped me to start my day on a positive note and reminded me of the importance of stopping for a moment to breathe. Last week, Thelma became sick, and we had to let her go. As I blessed her on her way, I realized that my day to day would change dramatically. I knew how much I would miss her.

Thelma was a 180-220 year-old, 85-foot Norway spruce along the neighbor’s fence line in my backyard. She was struck by lightning two weeks ago, which split the trunk from her base to about six feet up the trunk. We had no choice—she could not survive that injury.

I am very sensitive to and about trees in general. Raised in a game preserve in rural Maine, I have always been surrounded by trees. Trees were friends. They accompanied the reading of books, dinners with family, and more. As my faith grew, so did my awareness that trees are not only an integral part of my existence, but are an essential part of my human awareness and knowing. I know who I am and where I am by observing the trees around me.

Eventually, I learned that trees were also a large part of my spiritual identity as well. From the tree in The Garden in Genesis to Revelation, which states “The leaves of the [Tree of Life] were for the healing of the nations” (Rev. 22:2), trees are an unspoken partner in many of the stories of our faith and for our biblical ancestors who have inspired that faith. Our scriptures are filled with trees that represent life, growth, wisdom, knowledge, resilience, connection to God, and representation of unity in diversity in the people of God. Some say that, besides humans and God, trees are the living thing mentioned most in the Bible. The grief of losing Thelma has made me reflect on these things and the importance of recognizing our role in creation as a partner with God.

Our environment is life-changing—for us and for those people, things, and situations around us. A lost tree, or a new tree growing, has physical and mental impacts on our psyches and the way we approach the world. Seeing new growth inspires us to enact new growth in the world. As a tree sets a slow-growing pace, so may we be patient with ourselves and others as we are learning and serving. As a tree drives its roots in solid earth, so may we root ourselves in our deep relationship to scripture and in God and one another. As Thelma, who was evergreen and lived and shaded this neighborhood for 200 years, may we be witnesses to faithfulness, care, and justice beyond our years.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The Rev. Anissa Glaser-Bacon serves as the Minister for Ministers in Specialized Settings and Professional Endorsement Coordinator for the Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization (MESA) Team in the National Setting of the United Church of Christ.

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