Legend of the Dogwood Tree

The legend of the dogwood tree, author unknown.

When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew
To a towering size with a lovely hue.
Its branches were strong and interwoven
And for Christ's cross, its timbers were chosen

Being distressed, at the use of this wood
Christ made a promise, which still holds good:

"Not ever again shall the dogwood grow
To be large enough for a tree, and so
Slender and twisted it shall always be
With cross-shaped blossoms for all to see.

The petals shall have bloodstains, marked in brown
And in the blossom's center, a thorny crown.

All who see it, will think of Me,
Nailed to a cross, from a dogwood tree.
Protected and cherished, this tree shall be
A reflection to all, of my agony."

The picture was taken last April in my back yard. I don't know about you but I am soooooo ready for green grass, colorful flowers, the smell of a fresh Spring rain and lots of Serotonin (sunshine)! It's been a difficult winter for me. Being a parent of a child with a deadly disease, I have a new appreciation for how much pain God must have felt when His son was being mocked, beaten and nailed to the cross.

How do we do it? How do we make the pain go away? I know God, love God, trust God.....but am having a really hard time dealing with the heartache. I "know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Rom. 8:28). I can have joy in my heart because I know "God is in control" and I know the scripture "think on these things" (Phil 4:8) but it doesn't help.....there's got to be something I'm missing! Any ideas????