Hebrews 11:1: The Dogwood Tree
Monday, June 17, 2019
Today’s Noontime is a reflection written for the dedication of a dogwood tree in the memory of Sophie Myers who was born and died on September 25, 2011. It springs from the first verse of Hebrews 11.
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
I share with you today some thoughts about how the small and beautiful dogwood tree is a symbol of life and faith – a reminder that despite the fact that we cannot see or hear or smell or touch someone . . . she does, indeed, exist.
The dogwood tree is one of the smallest in the forest but just because it is small does not mean it is any less alive. Older, taller, more substantial trees tower over her but it is the dogwood – even when quite young – that dresses nature with airy pastel blossoms. She brings beauty and lightness and hope to the otherwise darkened forest. Despite her size, the dogwood tree is an integral part of the woods.
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
My son Will reminded us on the day of Sophie’s funeral that the shortness of her life does not diminish her significance. That shortness does not mean that we love her any less and in fact, her quick coming and going make her existence all the more powerful. This brevity reminds us to tell and show the people we love that we do, indeed, love them. This brevity calls us forward to live our own lives in the assurance and in the conviction that Sophie is here with us today despite the fact that we cannot see or touch her.
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
The urn that contains the earth-held remains of Sophia Josephine Myers is decorated with four dogwood flowers. Each of these flowers has four petals that symbolize her family: Gabby, Will, Vivian . . . and Sophie. On the prayer card created for Sophia’s funeral there is a photograph of one small, green dogwood leaf floating as it moves along the surface of a crystal clear stream. A sunbeam glints off the rippling water. One tiny droplet rides on the leaf and is carried downstream to an unknown destination. We do not see the end . . . yet the journey takes place. We do not know the moment of arrival . . . yet the arrival happens. Of this we are assured. Of this we are convicted. This we know. This we live . . . in faith.
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Sophie died in her transit to this world and yet . . . still she lives. We pause to reflect today – in faith – on what that might mean. We pause to reflect today on the beauty and the power and the importance . . . of the Dogwood Tree.
Amen.
A re-post from June 3, 2012.
Image of dogwood flower from: http://www.ridgewoodcameraclub.org/steinmeyer.html
To discover how to create a garden as a living memory of a loved one click on the dogwood tree image above or go to: http://www.recover-from-grief.com/memorial-garden.html
The Noontimes 