A Green Branch

Keep a green branch in your heart,

And a singing bird will come.

                
I had been intrigued by these lines and while driving into town that day, I tried to enumerate what they meant to me.  A green branch certainly implies alive, growing, pliable, working (doesn’t the green plant convert carbon dioxide into oxygen?), graceful, object of beauty. A singing bird implied uncontained, proclaimed joy. How then do these combine in my heart? Conversely, if I try to clear away the dead wood of prejudice, the harboring of grudges, hurts, disappointments, and the refuse to venture into new situations and responsibilities; if instead I keep the green branch of willingness to reevaluate persons and procedures with an open mind, forgive and forget the unpleasantness of the past, venture into new areas of possible growth with eyes and an awareness of all the blessings which are already ours to enjoy; to meaningful call the Holy Spirit, to convert the disappointments, fears and frustrations with an awareness of all the blessings which are already ours to enjoy; to create meaningful friendships, the glory of sunsets, star studded skies, restored health after illness, savory food, fresh air, the beauty of a single flower, the touch of a loved one, the satisfaction of a job accomplished, the song of a singing bird. 


Elisabeth Knappenberger Elm (reprinted from the 1972 Eastridge Devotional Book)