The Third Special of the Special Posts in July

Home » The Third Special Posts in July

 

The Third Special of the Special Posts in July

Third Special Posts in July: Summer Travels are a time for relaxing and in our family, some serious hiking. Our annual vacation destination is Montana. This year as always, we spend time with family before heading off to Glacier Park. The mountains had snow this past winter which meant one thing: the Going to the Sun Highway was not yet open. With the higher elevations cut off from hiking at least for a few days, alternative locations and activities came into play.

Our first stop was Swift Current Lake with a backdrop of mountains on almost every side. The air had a slight chill even here with the snow still clinging to the sides of the slopes.

The small bridge that I am standing on while taking this photo spans the river which flows from Swift Current Lake, changing from the tranquility of waters as clear as glass to the torrents of a raging waterfall and river. The noise is almost deafening as one stands on the bridge watching the wild river drop over the edge.

As I glance over to the right up on the cliff, something catches my eye. It brings to mind a project that has been in the works. Time for a closer look!

It is old and weathered and has been on this rock for years. There is no sign of life remaining. Yet it is a beautiful stump.

Third Special Posts in July

While the kids head across the lakes in kayaks, we head off on foot for a short hike. Along the way, there are more stumps. This one looks to be freshly cut, yet displays no signs of ongoing life. Is there life remaining? Is there a root to send forth a new shoot? I wonder………..

Third Special Posts in July

The next day we were at the Trail of Cedars. This is a spectacular trail lined with majestic trees that soar to the heavens. These are the giants of the forest. Yet even giants can fall.

Third Special Posts in July

And the stump that remains is large enough to shelter a man.

Third Special Posts in July

Yet no life remains in this stump.

The barren trees along this trail stand as black sentinels. With no canopy above them, the flowers bloom in profusion.

Third Special Posts in July

Burned remains of this stump have no signs of life either. Yet in all of the forest walks could there be found a surviving stump?

Third Special Posts in July

In the deeper forest of Lohn’s Lake Trail, many stumps were covered with a rich green carpet of moss.

Third Special Posts in July

Most were nothing more than a pile of wood chips with nothing to indicate their former majestic and towering glory.

Third Special Posts in July

Still hoping, at last, the elusive stump springing forth life was found. It is a small branch protruding on the side. The mere brush from an animal or a burst of wind would finish the tree in a fraction. Yet life springs forth.

Yes, the hikes through snow and muddy horse trails, over rocks, and up steep inclines were successful in many ways. My mind is refreshed with the promises that were given in days of old. Yes, Radix Jesse, which is one of the great O Antiphons.  And now it is back to work – or rather, back to (work on) the stump.

O Root of Jesse, who stands for an ensign of the people,

before whom kings shall keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles

shall make supplication: Come to deliver us, and tarry not.

Soli Deo Gloria

Be sure to visit our online store front Ecclesiastical Sewing where you may shop for Liturgical Fabricsaltar linen fabrics, church vestment-making patterns, liturgical machine embroidery designs,  church vestment trims and notions and so much more. You may also find us on  Ecclesiastical Sewing on FacebookTwitter, and Pinterest. Sign up for our mailing list at the bottom of the page on our online store front and receive a free copy of our Small Linens Booklet as our way of saying thank you for following along.

The First of The Special July Posts

The Second of The Special July Posts

The Fourth Special July Post

The Fifth, & Final, Special July Post