GRAFTED

"I alone cannot change the world,

but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." - Mother Teresa

What would inspire one to walk the long and winding path of adoption?

Where does the genesis - the very root of this type of love derive?

Hearts are stirred . . . seeds take root . . . sown out of a deep affection from a

good and beautiful God toward His creation.

It is mercy given, mercy acknowledged, and mercy found in the redemption of another.

The Father’s heart, fleshed-out with open palms — a gift freely received, now freely given.

“What love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” 1 John 3:1

LMB

Imagery and Symbolism

1. The tree as an open palm, made apparent by the placement of the branches, represents in part the adoptive family in obedience and trust.

— The nest and blue birds, making room in their home for the chosen child.

— The leaves and the fruit representing growth and healing in this process. The new growth picking up the golden hues of being effected by the new life they have taken into their hearts and home.

2. The branch that is on it’s way to being grafted is a golden hue and taken from the willow tree in the background.

— It’s lost leaves are dropped and scattered along the path representing what has been left behind to make way for the new life ahead.

3. The hole in the center of the palm is a representation of the nail mark in Christ’s hand with a stream of red running down to the root as His redeeming blood.

4. The root shaped in the form of a heart is a picture of the genesis of this extravagant love.

5. The stream of living water flowing, active and in steady supply, as the roots are reaching into it’s sufficiency. This is God’s provision as we abide.

6. The pathway is the long and somewhat hidden walk through the adoption process.

There are times that it is lit with promise on the hill top , while other times it leads to the valley, obscurity and dark shadow of the unknown. Yet ultimately guiding the viewer to the adoption fulfilled and the new family seated under the foreground tree at the end of the path.

7. The weeping willow tree in the background, symbolizes the family that has been left behind. Often we do not know all the reasons behind the separation, but tears and sorrow are surely part of the story. It is placed within to bring honor and hope and healing for their future. The golden hues that are reflected from the sun fall on it’s leaves as well.