I have been sitting in my office as a new playground is being built under my window. The large oak tree I have written about before will now provide shade for the children as they play.It is a beautiful sight…sturdy brown and green metal and heavy plastic with objects that spin, spots to slide, lots of places to climb, hide and rest. There is a tick-tack-toe board built within and a little ‘general store’ for quieter play. I look forward soon to hearing the sounds of children playing beneath my window.

What I heard today was not the sound of children playing but of whistling. One of the workers, digging or pouring cement, began whistling….."Oh, Susannah, Oh don’t you cry for me….for I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee." I laughed out loud at my desk. It seemed an odd choice…if it was a choice…of songs. Perhaps the tune just floated into his consciousness and he let breath and puckered lips do the rest.

I am imagining that it is a joyful job to install playgrounds. To know that your work will bring joy, laughter, fun to all sorts of children. The playground’s placement under the perhaps 100 year old oak tree reminded me of the Shel Silverstein children’s book The Giving Tree. Do you remember it?

The story involves a young boy and a tree who love one another. The small boy finds shade, rest and fun climbing the branches of the tree.The tree stands watch as the boy becomes a teenager and pays less attention to it but the tree stands firm and watchful over the boy. As the young boy grows into a man he wants material things and asks the tree for money. The tree offer its apples for the young man to sell. Then the man wants to build a house and the tree offers its branches. Next the grown man wants to travel far away to see the world and the tree offers its trunk so the man can build a boat and sail away.

What remained of the tree, stood faithful and firm until the old man returns. The tree has given so much of itself but offers the old man what it has left……. its old stump to rest his weary body. It is a wonderful story of the cycles of life…….of sacrifice…..of faithfulness…..of love.

As our children play on this new playground, may the mighty oak watch them grow and thrive. And may we offer what they need……a place to question,play,doubt,test,contribute,offer their gifts,…..a place to be truly known and valued……a place of sacrifice, faithfulness, and love.