Wild Trees....

Sunshine.  Mountains.  What month is this?  Saturday we gathered with my Hilarious Twin and a handful of friends and headed up into the foothills--way, way up past the 4,000 foot level where snow and harsh conditions would usually deter December Christmas tree hunters in 'city cars' like our little Matrix.  It was a spectacular day, and while we came prepared with boots, shovels, and two 4 wheel drive vehicles, we instead encountered sunshine, meadows, mountain views and coats left in the car as we marveled at the warmish, winter temperatures.  This was our fourth foray into the woods with a $5 tree tag to hunt for a wild Christmas tree.  The forays have not happened in consecutive years but have included the same handful of people.  In past years we've had fun-but-ever-so-slightly-harrowing snow adventures.  This day, however, was a sunfest with the kids playing in the woods, jousting with sticks, and roasting weinies over the roadside fire.  

Gathering exquisite little pinecones.

One special aspect of the day involved the kids brought along by some dear friends.  These friends quietly go about their lives in a nurturing and serving fashion.  They met while serving in a local outreach to street youth and they have gone overseas to work with a ministry that deals with the plight of the blind in a third world country.  In their quiet way they brought along three kids, two of whom they mentor, who have been adopted and raised out of the foster care system.  The third belongs to a mother they have befriended who is rising above her substance abuse and is seeking to build a stable life.  Through their quiet ways I see ones who love their neighbor, the widow, the orphan, and I am challenged and reminded of how deeply and profoundly blessed I am.