Walnut Family
         Black Walnut  "Eastern Black Walnut" "American Walnut" 
(Juglans nigra)

For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you -- 
Romans 1:11

            In autumn large, round, nuts fall from mature Black Walnut trees. If you find nuts among the leaves, notice that they have a soft outer husk that covers the hard shell.  People and squirrels compete for the tasty fruit.  The husks were used by pioneers as a dye for clothing. 
            The leaves turn color.  Leaflets fall off the long midrib.  The tree produces a chemical called juglone. The roots and the leaves contain this chemical.  It inhibits the growth of some plants so they will not grow and compete near the tree.  For that reason leaves from this tree are not put on compost piles.  They can be bagged and put in places other than the garden or flowerbeds.
            The wood from Black Walnut Trees is highly prized and used to make fine furniture.
            Think of the many uses of this tree.  Its fruit, wood, and natural dye are gifts from it.  Each of us has spiritual and other gifts to share with others.  What gifts can each of us share?

Dear Lord,
            Help us to use the gifts we have to help others.  In your name we pray, Amen.