The elderly man is stooped over now. His ninety years have slowed him Down, but his spirit is still vibrant. His woodworking skills are not as Polished as they once were in his Prime, but he persists with his hobby. He lovingly created a cross for me. He formed it out of a red oak tree that Once stood next to his family's Hand hewn cabin in the woods. Because the 100 foot tree was Endangering their cozy abode, it Needed to be removed. My friend smoothed one side of The wooden cross but left the other Unfinished. I placed the cross on my mantel with The rugged side facing out. It's perfect for Easter. My friend, Jim, has endured Suffering in his long lifetime, lots of it. But despite his limitations he Continues to create beauty from Discarded things, just like Jesus does. I treasure the gift that graces my Mantel. It reminds me of the One who Defeated death. And it reminds me of the one who Fashioned it for me, my Tender tenacious friend. |