The Bonsai Tree

Marlayna learned how to grow and trim bonsai trees a few years ago, and every now and then she'll start a new one.  She babies them as if they were pets, and they seem to respond accordingly.  She certainly didn't get her green thumb from me.  Most likely, it was from my dad who always has a huge vegetable garden and lots of fruit trees.  Anyway, last week she brought home this little tree (cedar, cypress? I don't remember) that she was beginning to nurture.  It weathers well so she left it on our front steps, and when Jeff and I left for our walk this morning we saw that she had hung a little red christmas ball from it.  It was adorable!  Though it's truly not scraggly, it reminded of the Charlie Brown tree.  We got such a kick out of seeing that little guy decorated for Christmas; it was a great way to start the day.  Sometimes simple is best, and today I found God in a single shiny, red ball on a tiny green tree.