If you’ve never been caught short in the midst of an unexpected downpour you might not know how important refuge under the boughs of a cedar or oak tree can be.
Living in the middle of woods, punctuated by open pastures, I’ve retreated more than once to the safety of thick boughs which limit the rain’s ability to soak me through.
I have memorized every safe haven between the road and the middle of my 34 acres.
Faithful friends are like those sheltering trees-offering respite to a weary heart, providing a safe space to take a breath, granting protection when we are pursued by the enemy of our souls.
When Dominic ran ahead to Heaven I was a mess.
Most folks that brushed shoulders with me in public might not have guessed but those who knew me well saw me devolve from “got it together” to “don’t even know what I should be getting together”.
I was utterly devastated.
Some people were repulsed. They either couldn’t handle my ongoing neediness (a week or a month on the prayer list ought to be enough according to them) or they simply found my presence too uncomfortable a reminder that bad things happen regardless of how “good” you are.
But there were a few…a precious, precious few who refused to go away. They showed up and stayed.
It didn’t matter if they had any remarkable insight or help or “solutions” to my heartache.
What mattered is that they bent over my broken heart and provided shelter.
We all need sheltering trees in the storms of life.
And I am beyond thankful for every single person who is brave enough to bear the brunt of evil winds to provide that shelter.
❤
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thelifeididntchoose 
Grief is beyond uncomfortable to live with every hour of every day. I’m sure that it’s also very uncomfortable to be a friend to a grieving person, but………there are some angels who stick with it regardless. I’m grateful to the ones who have stayed thus far. I hope they can continue to be there because this is a life-long journey.
Thank you, Melanie, for writing your story and mine. Your words are what I live.
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Just about to meet my sheltering tree ..my rock..my friend. She didn’t flee ..she just waited patiently for me. She is just THERE.
You are also a sheltering tree Melanie..although you may not realise it..and every day you are there you are out shelter, because you are THERE. God bless x
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I agree Maddie, Melanie has been my sheltering tree since I found her blog. Thank you Melanie xxx
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