Fall has finally come to Memphis after a brutal Summer. The air is cooler and the tree leaves are turning as much color as we get this far south. We notice trees more this time of year — one with spectacular color or shape or perhaps two in concert playing in contrast.

Trees figure large in the story of salvation.  There is the tree in the middle of the garden of Eden. There is the tree that bore the body of Jesus at his death. There is the tree of life in the garden in the New Jerusalem come down from heaven whose leaves are for the healing of the nations.

Trees are important practically and mythically. I’m enjoying them in my mind and on my drive to work.