Downtown Santa Paula used to be this neat old tree lined street. But after
a period of years, the tree roots started pushing up on the concrete sidewalks,
making it interesting, if not dangerous to walk on. Some would be lifted 8-10"
above where they were initially laid, and aside from ugly, it was dangerous and
tough to navigate. So the city council, in their infinite wisdom, decided to
cut down all the trees, and replace the sidewalks. They would also replant
trees, so that after a few years, they could replicate the tree lined down
town. Which made a few of the residents mad. Some were willing to put up with
bad sidewalks, the trees were part of the history. Some just didn't want to
trip, and could care less about new trees. And the remaining just wanted the
problem to go away. And the city council.
So they cut down the trees, and repaved the sidewalk. Which gave a whole
new impression to the downtown. Even planted new trees in the place of the old
ones, and although not everyone was happy, the job was done. Sidewalks were
safe to walk on once again, and the sun was left to beat down on your head on
any given 100 degree afternoon. Fast forward 20 years, and the trees were
filling in nicely, shade was provided again, and it looked much like it had 50
years ago. All the way down to the sidewalks starting to buckle-again. Seems
that whoever did the proposal, specified the same kind of trees that they cut
down because of their root structure. Not sure why, but no one caught it, and
if they did, never said anything when they were planted. So I can see it now,
when the sidewalks have buckled again to the point of being dangerous in 10
years, they will start, or continue the process all over again. Any bets on
what type of trees they will choose? It seems the more things change, the more
they stay the same.
We even had the city come on our street under Obama's $787 billion fiasco.
They were tearing out the trees, and measuring sidewalks-if there was a 1/2"
difference in height, they tore out the sidewalk. Considered dangerous, I joked
about the daily carnage on my street, and the city employee agreed. See-we need
new sidewalks. Which created a mess, and when they were done left the sidewalks
even more uneven. But while potholes multiply, and people file missing reports
for Toyotas when they fall into one, the sidewalks on our 5 house cul-de-sac
were in danger. But the trees, you must have one, they even printed nice
brochures and we could pick the type we wanted. When I said no to a new tree,
this public servant got upset. I heard the party line about beautifying the
street, and putting Americans to work. Good-fill in the potholes. But he was
insistent that we have a new tree. Even showed me where the old one had been
cut down. As my neighbor, who bought her next door house new watched,
she explained to him, there never was a tree there. And as I was telling how
the cats use the depression for a cat box, one came by and demonstrated. Today
I remain treeless, with smooth sidewalks, and a public restroom for the cats-can
anyone fill in the potholes, please?
So when we hear "I'm from the government, and here to help," we quiver.
And we should, programs and political pandering has doomed many a project. But
we used to look to the church, what happened? When did we get smarter than
God? The Tower of Babel was formed by a group of people who thought they were
the smartest on earth, and would build a ziggurat to heaven. Wouldn't you like
to meet that city council? But where is the church? When we used to have
needs, we went to them. And they came through. But history will reveal to us
that the day Bibles and prayer were removed from school, that is the day things
changed. And where was the church? They sat silent, while one person and her
hatred of God changed our policy, ruined our schools, and continues to cause
confusion in them today. I reflect on the Amish people, who today still
participate in barn raisings when a neighbor has had trouble. I help organize
meals for those who need them via the church. We try to minister as Jesus
explained to us in Matthew 25-I will paraphrase from the best definition of
teamwork I ever heard. "If it needs to be done, do it." Feed, clothe, visit,
give drink, and welcome strangers. And so many within so many churches do. And
we should.
Remember that next time you are in a situation where you need help. Ask
Uncle Sam, or the church. For some churches it will be a wake up call, for some
business as usual. But for those asking, they will see how God's people, in
love, can respond to any situation. Just ask a flood or tornado victim what
happens when FEMA arrives, the church was there first. Doing what needs to be
done. From Operation Blessing, to Samaritan's Purse, they spread the gospel
better than many preachers-and if they need to these use words. Politics and
Jesus will always go in opposite directions. Make sure you follow the one who
has a record of perfection. For the next tree they plant just may be where your
house used to be. Couldn't happen to you? Ask the sidewalks in Santa Paula.
Or the kids who can't pray in school. Trust God-we'll all be glad you
did.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com