Ugly Tree Take 2

My decorating is a process. It’s not the first time I’ve torn a tree apart and started over. One year I dismantled a tree three times. Not that I’m a perfectionist. It’s just that I know butt ugly when I see it. And baby! My first attempt was one pathetic specimen! I couldn’t even call it a tree!

SO

I tore all the greenery from the wire frame. To encourage myself, I added the tree topper first. I love this crazy Dr. Seuss inspired tree! First off it’s glittery – blue glitter no less! And it is not symmetrical which suits my notion. It is right leaning which goes along with my political inclinations. And maybe with it being so odd, no one will notice the tree itself is a wee bit lopsided.

Anyway. I held the frame in my lap and moved from bottom to top. Instead of hanging the strands of garland vertically, I started winding the greenery horizontally. As I went, I bound each one by twisting a twig to the branch below. By the time I got to the top, the frame was nicely filled in and sturdy. Still ugly, but better. And certainly stronger. It was attached more securely to the frame, and I set it upright.

Finding strands of lights that were the same color was a process. Shades of blue varied from dark blue to more of a turquoise blue to old blue/white due to age. As I reached the bottom, I couldn’t arrange them very nicely since I can’t bend appropriately without disobeying therapy orders. I kinda tossed them at the limbs and called it even.

I sorted the few special ornaments I have left from last year’s Swedish Death Purge, though I do have enough to adorn this anorexic little rascal. Ronald is helping me place ornaments on the lower branches. And I’m not even telling him which one, where to put it, or how I want it hung! Maybe my inabilities are teaching me more than patience! I’m just so grateful he brought in everything, helped me along without complaining, and swept up each day’s mess. Like I’ve said…my hero.

The tree still isn’t finished. It’s still ugly. But by golly! Whatever it ends up like this year, it is what it is, and I am going to enjoy it!!!

Beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that.

OBJECT LESSON

As I intermingled the strands together and wove them the best I could, I thought about families…natural families and the families of believers who come together to celebrate our dear Savior’s birth. As I twisted a little piece here to a skinny twig on the next level, the tree began to take shape and become a stronger form and basis for the next strand to be added. Apart, the strands were not stable. Woven together, the tree is capable of remaining intact and holding the lights and ornaments. As the body of Christ, we can bind together to make a difference in the world and support each other and those who are in need.

As I put on lights, lights, and more lights, (which is part of the reason I love to decorate early) I thought about believers who allow the light of Christ’s love shine in and through to bless others.

As I put on each old or handmade treasure, I remembered where and when each one came from. May we hold dear and honor our past and thank God for His guidance to this point in our lives. Here are some verses for you to ponder. May I fulfill each one in my own life.

Psalm 106:1 ESV   Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!

Colossians 3:15 ESV   And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 ESV.   Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thank in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Blessings

Kara Beth