trees

We moved back from a part of Florida that is more pine trees than palm trees. But in the land of hurricanes and tropical storms I was always amazed by the tall palms capacity to bend rather than break in the storm. Their root system is shallow so the tree itself must be more flexible than a giraffe neck in order to survive the bend and sway of powerful winds and water. Other parts of the Gulf Coast have live oaks that do throw down deep roots to anchor old trees permanently bent by winds that drive persistently inland.

Now back in the Midwest I'm relying on trees to hold firm the terraced woodland that preserves the area for water runoff during winter melting and spring rains. These trees, throwing down deep roots and reaching tall to catch the sun to sprout their leaves and ensure their continued growth fascinate me.

The landscape in the Middle East has no oceans and nothing I am aware of the would remind one of a Midwestern glade, but the power of trees still drew the Prophet Jeremiah:

But those who trust in the Lord will be blessed.
    They know that the Lord will do what he says.
They will be strong like trees planted near a stream
    that send out roots to the water.
They have nothing to fear when the days get hot.
    Their leaves are always green.
They never worry, even in a year that has no rain.
    They always produce fruit.                                         Jeremiah 17:7-8

So, today I will let the trees remind me to lay down deep roots that I might love and serve God well, tend with kindness and wisdom to family and friends through challenges great and small, worship and study that my roots might be well nourished and everlasting, and thank God for all these amazing trees.