Do Not Shake The Trees

Do Not Shake The Trees

It was steadily pouring rain. I peered hopefully through the windshield of the car at the grey, misty, wet world outside. My husband, Michael, and I were driving several hours to Sydney to meet up with our church family to attend the popular Cherry Blossom Festival, at the Japanese Gardens. Suddenly my phone sang a little trill and I eagerly picked it up to see what the message was. I had received an announcement on our church’s 'Whatsapp' thread; the plans for the garden tour were officially cancelled. I looked at Michael, and in great optimism we discussed the message and then we decided to continue our journey. The weather remained bleak as we drove slowly up to the entrance gates and we were the second car to park. Garden attendants were milling around the entryway in their bright fluorescent  wet weather gear, bored and aimless. In hopeful anticipation of a change in weather, Michael and I balanced our large umbrellas with cameras, coats and warm wooly hats. 

The rain eased slowly and although the walkways were awash with water we enjoyed a pristine world of quiet, refreshing peacefulness. There were no expected crowds of people, jostling and talking excitedly. Sparkling diamond tear drops clung graciously to the ends of petals, leaves and fronds. The scent of rain filled the air as we breathed deeply and the beauty of vivid colours enriched our hearts. We were enveloped by a soothing Asian ambience of delightfulness. Here, on several acres, were recreated in miniature; traditional idealised Japanese landscapes.We beheld the tranquil setting of  a serene lake bordered with walk ways of fine white pebbles,lush gardens, ornamental blossoming trees and a gentle murmuring waterfall. The landscape took in a quaint wooden tea house and charming wooden bridges with splashes of red colour adorning them. In enraptured wonder we slowly made our way around the gardens; stopping frequently to capture each new delight on camera. It was a visual treat of tastefulness and colour. Stone lanterns, bamboo water spouts and koi swimming gracefully in the lake, enthralled us with an oriental atmosphere. 

Blossoming cherry trees adorned the gardens forming an elegant arched walk way in the midst of the balance and poise of natural beauty. Attractively placed trees garnished the grounds, spreading their graceful limbs laden with jewels of pinks and scarlet as they reached cautiously towards the skies. Scattered through out the gardens were signs. The signs read, ‘Do not shake the trees’. Childhood memories of  flowering plum trees came sharply to my mind and the laughter and fun of friends as we shook those trees and watched a flurry of pretty petals come tumbling down around us. The beautiful flowers on those lovely trees were delicately in place, held on by a whisper of hope. The signs were a constant reminder of the vulnerability of each and every colourful flower clinging tenderly to the branches.

All around us in the garden of life are cherry blossoms; people, who although they wear a smile, hide the pain and hurt of quietened tears. In silence they maintain a frail hold on God, on joy and on life. Perhaps you are a blossom. Perhaps I am too. Maybe it’s our children. Faintly clutching to thin strands of light, reaching in hope with uncertainty towards strength, towards love. The signs say ‘Do not shake the trees.’ 

John 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

Eph 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.