Walking through the neighborhood, we came upon a large tree that had been severely pruned. A neighbor popped out and began to blast the pruning…”I can’t believe I have to look at that hatchet job, they obviously did not know what they were doing, look at it, it’s completely chopped…”.  We were a bit taken aback by the intensity of her negative feelings and really hoped the owner was not in earshot. We said our good byes and continued our walk. Later, I pass again by the pruned tree and am actually struck by the beauty. Naked, bare wood with empty, thick branches making an impression against the sky. I wonder why I find it so appealing. It is definitely chopped, not much extending from its sturdy trunk. The small flimsy branches have all been removed and all that remains are a few thick strong branches. I am suddenly filled with hope for what will now grow as a result of this treatment and of course, it hits my heart. The severe pruning has created great promise of what is to come. It did not appear ugly at all to me; instead entirely filled with breathtaking potential. I realized anew how differently we can regard the various stages of our walk with You. We can, like our neighbor, abhor how a thorough pruning can make us look to ourselves or others. Others or ourselves can voice appalled comments to and about the severe treatment. Or we can be filled with awe as we look with Your Vision, filled with the hope only You can give because of the true promise of new and beautiful life to follow the Master Gardener’s touch.