I
saw it about five years ago. I saw it, but I didn't really know what I
was seeing. I was visiting a church for the fi rst time and when I walked in,
I saw the most beautiful tree stretched out across the stage. The trunk was
dark brown with thick branches pointing out of the top. The branches were
covered with majestic metallic fl owers that glistened bright pinks, oranges,
and reds. Immediately, I was drawn to the beauty of the tree. First off, it was in
an unexpected place � inside a sanctuary, and secondly, it was so unique.
It wasn't until after the service was over that I learned that the
tree was actually made of up recycled cans, newspapers,
and cardboard. I couldn't believe it. The tree looked
like an amazing piece of art. I couldn't fathom
that at some point, this tree � in pieces, had
been discarded by others. Each piece of
the tree had been rescued, reformed, and
molded into something beautiful. It
was a new creation.
Things are thrown away too easily
in this world. Let me be more
clear. People are thrown away
too easily in this world. Just like
the old pizza box tossed in the
bin, we allow ourselves to be
used up and tossed away.
And the worst part is, we
believe that's all life has to
offer. We have settled for a
hopeless story. We self-
medicate with sex, money,
materialism, drugs and
eating disorders. The list
can go on and on. We are
caught up in a society that
tells us to do more, be more,
have more, or be nothing.
Through messaging and media,
the world shouts, "You're not
good enough." But the truth is...
you are.
One of my favorite musicals is Les
Mis�rables.
The main character, Jean
Valjean, is sentenced to prison for 19
years for stealing a loaf of bread for his
starving family. His years in prison are
fi
lled with hard labor. He becomes bit-
ter and angry. Upon Valjean's release, he is
continually shunned by society. In his travels, he
encounters the Bishop of Digne. The Bishop
kindly offers Valjean food and shelter. In the middle of the night, Valjean
steals the Bishop's silver and fl ees the home. In time, Valjean is captured by
the police and returned to the Bishop's home. The Bishop tells the police
that the silver was a gift to Valjean � and to make the point, even gives
Valjean two more valuable candlesticks. The police release Valjean to the
Bishop. The Bishop tells Valjean that he must use the silver to become an
honest man and that he (the Bishop) bought Valjean's soul for God. The
W W W . S A I N T E R S E C T I O N . O R G
Vantage Point
People are everywhere!
On a recent trip, I was forced to spend
more than the anticipated amount of
time in airports and hotels. This extra
time afforded me the opportunity to
watch how people react differently to
unexpected circumstances. Some visibly
express frustration and anger while oth-
ers simply shrug and move on.
What became very apparent to me
however, was that everybody needed
something from someone else. Stranded
passengers needed airline personnel to
help resolve missed
fl ights. Weary travel-
ers waited outside baggage claim for
cabs or shuttles. Some confused custom-
ers looked to the authorities for answers.
Just as much as those people needed
someone, we are also in need of each
other. This month we've taken a look
at how we can help each other
fi nd
the best that God has to offer.
Songwriter Charles Wesley wrote
these strong lyrics:
Help us to help each other, Lord,
Each other's cross to bear;
Let each his friendly aid afford,
And feel his brother's care.
Let's try to look for ways to help each
other � that way, we'll lighten the load
that we each carry and along the way,
we're sure to discover God's grace and
compassion.
ompassion.
@rreardondc
Recycled
Candles
&
Illustration Mejnak / iStock