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.