Roots

We had some fun birthdays to celebrate around here lately. Our son Tanner turned 24 and my dad, Norm Jones, turned 85. He makes it look like the new 60 ☺️ I’m so grateful for the father he has been to me and the example he’s set in living life well.

For most of my life, my dad ran Mt. Gilead Bible Conference. Set in the redwoods of Northern CA, camp was a wonderful place to grow up. It was in this special place that my friend since childhood, Erica, and I ran around playing in the groves of trees that were our castle, house, and restaurant. We were set free to play and just needed to listen for the Dining Hall bell and show up for meals.

I spent a lot of time thinking about redwood trees these last few weeks, as I painted a picture of them for my dad’s birthday gift. He and my mom spent their life shining God’s light in the midst of the redwoods and I wanted to honor that.

As a child, I didn’t realize how unique my environment was or that people come to Northern CA just to see the redwoods. I later learned why there were groves to play in- redwood trees share their roots with each other. These towering trees actually have fairly shallow roots because they are intertwined with the surrounding trees, helping to support each other.

What a wonderful example of something we can strive to do as well. When we reach out to others in community, we can support one another on our journey. This takes vulnerability and authenticity but the gain is worth the risk.

Redwood trees are also naturally fire resistant and bug resistant due to the high level of tannin in them. As a child I took for granted that many of the groves had a blackened tree telling a story of harder times. During cancer treatment when Brent and I visited the Avenue of the Giants, we noticed a burnt tree that had regrown into two trees. As an adult in need of inspiration, this was a powerful example of how hard times can result in renewed life, an encouragement I still need.

The writer of Jeremiah in 17:8 says, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; it’s leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to grow fruit.”

What reasons to rejoice! We can choose to drink from the Living Water and be sustained through each season of life, even fire. We can grow, spreading green leaves of shade over others, and produce fruit that will bless those around us.

How can we grow like a redwood tree? Who can we ask for support or support ourselves in some way? Who can we gather around us to celebrate something or someone special?

Let’s drink deeply from the Living Water God wants to give us, and may it grow us into someone who can withstand the fires of life. May we have resiliency and spread out green leaves of shade to others in need of rest, being a safe place for them. May the Spirit grow his wonderful fruit in us and may others be blessed, “and the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” Gal 5:22.

Enjoy your week, and go hug a tree! ☺️ 🌲Don’t forget to look up, the Light is shining…