Pineapple Palm Trees

Matthew 21:7-9 (NIV)
7 [The disciples] brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the son of David!” Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

Good morning!

Jeff and I took a little sightseeing excursion into the hills surrounding Miramar Marine base in Northern San Diego last night. Many of the southwestern style homes are situated at the edge of the mountain peaks. I was truly fascinated by the architecture and placement of these single-family dwelling homes. We drove to the top of one of the mountains and took pictures of homes that clung to the edge of the cliffs. The view from above is simply spectacular. Many of these homes are built with adobe bricks, stucco finish, and red brick roofs. Tropical plants and lush flowers line their sidewalks and window planters. Can you imagine what a sight it must be to wake up early in the morning and watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean from on top of a cliff?

We explored several “hidden” lakes nesting within public parks along the roadway. There are biking and hiking trails everywhere. We waved to young mothers pushing their babies around in strollers, joggers and bikers catching their breath and enjoying the view, and lots of walkers. Families tend to walk together in southern California. It is truly an impressive place to live.

I’ve never seen such a variety of palm trees. I think my favorite tree is the pineapple palm. There are numerous varieties of this beautiful plant. Their trunks are shaped like large pineapples, and from the top emerges the beautiful, detailed palm branches. Many of the branches are greenish-blue in color. They seem happily installed in its subdivision. I think I could enjoy sitting under that palm every day and admiring the beautiful branches shading the ground below. While some of the palm trees are very tall, pineapple palms seem rather dwarfed – short and stocky, just like me! I wonder if I could grow this tree in my subdivision in Missouri – probably not.

Palm trees are breathtakingly beautiful. Its branches move gently in the breeze, waving its praise to the master artist. Only God could make something so beautiful. As Jesus traveled into Jerusalem on the back of a borrowed donkey, the people gathered to praise the Son of David. Children waved beautiful palm branches in the air while their parents lay their cloaks on the ground in honor of the arrival of the King. How God must have been glorified in those brief, fleeting moments, surrounded by the faces of the children He came to save.

Palm Sunday will never be the same for me again. I am resting today in the shade of the Pineapple Palm trees. I can feel the chilly ocean breeze blow across my face, and it reminds me that Jesus is here, in this place. He walks with the walkers in the park. He rides with the cyclists on the bike path. He fishes with the children at the pier. He is ever present, ever near.

Come and join me for a siesta underneath the Pineapple Palm. You may find the risen Christ sitting next to you, enjoying the view with you from above.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Lord to open your eyes to the beauty of nature as it surrounds you today. He has created a marvelous place where we can live in His awesome presence. Can you feel Jesus near you today in the place where you live?
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