The tree is not completely altered; it has accommodated an uninvited situation. And, yes, that tree spoke to my heart. People can make changes and alter aspects of their lives because Creation is meant to survive if it is able to adapt to change.
Though the accounts vary, Mary of Magdala is the constant in all the renditions. She is the one who relates to the apostles that Jesus has risen. And yet, the popular image of Mary Magdalene is of a repentant sinner, a prostitute. How did that happen?
Each of the founding sisters brought unique and much needed skills and gifts to the fledgling community. The same is true today; except that our tent is much bigger.
During my early years in our formation process (nun training), I had to practice responding not reacting. Take a few deep breaths and ask for clarification. Begin a dialogue, not a monologue. Find some level of commonality and move from that point. Bring some sense of hope to situations that seem insurmountable.
'Teaching is in my blood'