My Lacey Oak is throwing shade. As in old-school blocking the sun. Which is good.

I needed a tree that was sturdy and strong and not too tall as to obstruct the view from the upstairs windows. “You want a Lacey Oak,” said Ms. Nursery Expert. (The site says it’s good to 60’. Others say out here it won’t make it past 30. I’m praying for the stunted version.)

I planted it in November. Shade arrived earlier this month. Still a small footprint but on its way to greatness. Future home of hammocks and swings.

“Some shade. Some shade. My kingdom for some shade,” said not King Richard. But he would have had he lived outside Burnet, Texas on a bunch of granite with no sun-screen.

Oases offer shade. Porches provide shade. Umbrellas generate shade.

Shade’s a hot commodity.

Shade allows the body to cool down and recover. Get ready for the rest of the climb or that afternoon of grueling meetings.

God knows this. So He made sure this promise got etched: “The LORD watches over you — the LORD is your shade at your right hand.” – Psalm 121.5

Each day seems to include a stretch or two in need of some deep shade.

A break where I step out of the heat for a few minutes. Grab something cool to drink. Sit down and lean my back against Him. Listen to the Wind blowing through His branches. Forget the upcoming appointment and instead look out the window at the Lacey Oak.

It’s throwing some nice shade.