Last weekend we went to Knoxville to see the Vols play football. It was a wonderful weekend even with all the rain. Russell, Nora and I met Mary and Matt and my brother, Gary, and his whole family there. We enjoyed being together! Being the good sport he is, Matt even wore a UT shirt to the game (He is a born and raised U. of South Carolina fan.)

Driving home on Sunday I saw such an unusual sight. It was only a short sighting as we were driving down the interstate. I glanced over at a bluff and there was a row of evergreen trees just at the rim of it. I mean really at the rim of it. All of them were facing up except for one little tree. This tree was hanging upside down from the rim. It was as if it had gone too far and had fallen. Or considering all the rain,it is probable that the bluff had washed away and left it exposed. This little tree was hanging by its roots.

At first thought one would want to blame that little tree. After all it wasn't in line with the others. They were all standing straight and upright facing toward the sun. Whatever had happened had not caused them to fall. On second thought I was in wonder at just how strong that little tree's roots were. Even though it wasn't standing with the rest it was hanging in there pretty well considering the circumstances.

It made we wonder why we sometimes judge those who are not able to stand in line with everyone else. Maybe we should be more compassionate and understand that sometimes life hands out things that cause one to tip over the bluff. Often those hanging by their roots are the people who have strong roots in the first place. I have decided that little tree is a very brave little tree. It hasn't given up when hit with hard times.

I'm determined to try to be understanding when people "leave the line" and "hang upside down". Even though trees cannot bend down and offer a helping hand people can. It is my prayer that I be willing to offer that hand, or if I need that hand maybe you will offer one. Either way I want us to understand that hanging upside down is not a sign of weakness. It just may be a test of our roots.