The Magnolia Tree

2nd Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Although no one knew exactly where he came from, everyone he met would tell others their life was better for having met him. He like to come around in the cool of the late afternoon, when people were finishing their days and relaxing from their tasks, duties, and responsibilities. At first, his visits interrupted the quiet of their well-deserved rest time but once you got to know him, you looked forward to seeing him. Everything else seemed to dim as the two of them would share. At first it was just the normal light conversation with how their day went and any difficulties it might have presented. But because he was such a good listener they would slowly begin trusting him enough to tell him things they never even told their closest friend before. He would share the details of his day with them too and it made them feel worthy because it was easy to tell he spoke from his heart. He shared words that seem very personal to Him and yet He trusted you enough that He would share His heartfelt nudges with you. He met the family and accepted the dinner invitation his wife so graciously gave. Sitting around the kitchen table with everyone sharing and enjoying the evening together, time would quickly slip away. One night He asked if he could bring his son with him the next day when he came over. Of course everyone replied in a hardy unison. It was the first time he mentioned having a son. Bring your wife too, we would love to meet them both. He explained his son’s mother was not living with them yet. She was away taking care of important matters but He would definitely bring her when she arrived home. I do have a close friend I would love for you to meet, is it okay with you if I bring him tomorrow also? Yes, please, we look forward to seeing all of you tomorrow evening as the day cools down. Throughout the next day they were all pushing through their routines to prepare for their visit. Then everyone dressed in their Sunday best for dinner that evening. You would think they were preparing for a king to visit them. So to be honest they were taken back when they saw his son beside him as they walked up the dirt path to their house. Among other things, his hair was longer than what most people considered proper and he was barefoot. Inwardly, they realized they had expected a more refined looking young man. More polished if you will. They did not see any companion with them. They thought he must have been unable to come and was sure their friend would explain it to them later. Even though the appearance of His son caused them concern, they suddenly felt a strong warm southernly breeze that brought inner peace and much comfort to them. This inner peace and comfort remained with each of them throughout their time together that night. Come on up here the farmer cried out, we have been looking forward to this all day! What an amazing time they had that night. The son was a delight! He was very humble and he was wise for his years. He taught the family things they had not thought of or imagined before. The joy they share around the kitchen table that night was so pleasant they forgot to ask about the companion. However, throughout the evening it seemed someone else was present in the room with them. As they were leaving, they shook hands good-bye, in between laughs, the farmer said, you know I always just called you friend. Do you mind if I get yours and your son’s name so we can call you by your names? With a smile that would put a crying baby at ease, he said, You can call me Father and you can call my son Jesus. Just call my companion, The Holy Spirt. With that, they turned and walked away as the farmer and his family stood there in awe. Then they heard him shout out to them as they walked away, we will see you tomorrow morning. When the farmer and his family could speak again, they shouted, yes, we will see you tomorrow morning. Wait a minute, the farmer thought, did he say tomorrow morning?