I saw a tree in a wooded glen
So leafless, gnarled and dry.
Her barren limbs like boney arms
Reached upward toward the sky.
Her dead boughs raised as if in praise
God must have said, "Well done!"
You bore new life each fruitful year
Of time you wasted none,
The seeds you cast on waves of wind
Will last till time is o'er,
You were created for this task
I did not ask for more.
And so it is with people,
They could reverence My earth
If they aided their Creator
As the tree that gives new birth.
Wearing her shroud of praise
She had pleased our God,
The tree, a smile could wear.
Not I, convicted and reproved
I bowed my heart in prayer.
I have not shaken seed abroad
For You as did the tree.
I've planted no new life to grow
To love and honor Thee.
Will You forgive me Lord, I pray,
And let me start anew.
To plant and water where I live
And bring some soul to You.
