All nations under God's oak tree.

Do you know about the oak tree? Well, I do. I learned today. You know the trees that we all have hung from as a child. The tree we have sought shelter from the sun and heat. The tree that provides large draping branches to place a rope for a tree swing. Let me tell about the oak tree and it's roots. The beauty of the oak goes deep beneath the bark surface and spreads way beyond it's root system. According to the people who really spend time studying the oak, it's greatest attribute is it's ability to adapt in the most unpretentious manner, thus allowing it to survive in all 50 of our states as well as many other countries. Also, I did not know about acorn rice and noodles that is made from the acorns that fall from the oak tree, and how the acorns aren't scurried away by the squirrels. I did not realize the significance of the oak. With the headlines reading every morning about the war, deaths, violence, pain, and saddness, I want to proclaim the unity of the oak. The oak adapts to it's soil, weather, resources and location, not just in good ole America, but around the world. I think about the Pledge we American's say to our country and it's freedom. I think of the children around the world who may have played on such a tree or have seen one devastated by the effects of war. I can see the pair of hawks that have raised a family, many times in the safety of the branches. Do we really take the time to appreciate the beauty in a tree or even the freedom to grow one in our back yard? The next time I have the opportunity to say the pledge, I will remember the strength of an oak tree standing tall, reaching for the sun, spreading it's leaves. I will remember the shade of unity offered in realizing the oak grows free for all people regardless of color, race or country. The shade for all people. Maybe one day there will be an oak large enough to take us all underneath it's shelter.