In a quiet corner of Musgrave
where shadows linger
and squirrels scamper
lies a pine tree
which was blown down
in a storm
many years ago.

Lying hidden
in the peace and quiet
out of sight, out of mind
and forgotten …
it quietly continued to grow.

Branches on its upper side
reached for the sky
forming a line of slender pines
and only when a recent storm
felled neighbouring trees
did this little miracle
come into view.

I look at the tree,
fascinated,
and think to myself,
“Never say die!”

As Christians we are called
to always hope
and to never give-in
to despair.

Called to believe
in an almighty God
and called never to underestimate
His power.

Called to believe
that our God loves us deeply
and will stretch out His hand
to help us when we call.

Because of our trust in God
we, too, can choose
to never say die
no matter what befalls us in this life.
And we, too, can flourish in adversity,
just like that pine tree.

© Claire Murray, 30th December 2024