Manna

Today I walked under the canopy of an old Maple tree, wise in the ways of nature, free in her advice to all who listen. Politely I observed this behemoth of wisdom, some eighty feet in stature, as Nature’s symphony in faint decibel crept upon my ear. The sound wafting to and fro in the breeze wove the harmonies emanating from some strange place, and played hide and seek with my senses. A violin concerto, perhaps? The sound, not a lilt, above the country side assortment of normal birds, squirrels and goats; enticing me to listen and look a little closer, imbibing my curiosity to identify this song, this ode to Mother. Looking upward, into the branches I found my answer. A swarm of Hornets...... Singing a contented thank you. I have never seen this before. Leaves were covered with a sugary sweetness that was liquid. On some it was dry and looked much like confectionary sugar. I could not tell if a powdery substance was absorbing the high humidity to become liquid or if the leaves were weeping and as it dried, left the white powder. I realized that WHAT, HOW OR WHY was not nearly so important as the GIFT. How often I have seen the bark weep sweet upon the trunk. But, that was not as today. The leaves with sweet ambrosia coating enticed the bees to stay and stay. I returned time after time to view the scene and listen to contented sounds of the bees rejoicing. Reveling in the power of He who said, “Even unto the least of these”, and to marvel in the mystery of the weeping leaves and the glory of God and his proof of everlasting love. Feb. 2011 Charles Henderson