A few weeks ago we had the privilege of attending an adult Sunday school class. I love teaching our teens, but it was a nice change to be with adults that Sunday morning. One of the things I took away from that class was about Giant Redwood trees. I've never visited California (except the airport), but it's on my "bucket list". What Pete shared was about the strength of the Redwood trees root system. I was intrigued and came home to look up more information about these amazing trees. How have they survived all these years? Some of them are over 350 feet tall and need lots of water to sustain themselves. The constant upward flow of water from the roots to the top of the tree is amazing to me, to say the least. It seems the plumbing within the tree itself carries the water and nutrients up into the tree. The interaction of water molecules with the sides of the capillary tubes creates a bond which drags the water up with it. At the same time the water evaporating from the leaf creates a vacuum which also pulls the water up into the tree. The redwood roots are very shallow, only about five or six feet deep. So what sustains this giant tree? The roots are thick, and thrive in thick groves, and intertwine with other roots. Pete reminded us, that's exactly what we as Christians do. We intertwine with other roots---Christians. I don't think I will ever look at a Redwood tree the same. I've always loved their history, but never really understood the make-up. Just what makes that tree so strong, and able to survive. Just like the Redwood tree, I count on my Christian friends to sustain me, and help me over the "dry" spells. Jeremiah 17:8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
This exceptional book, Celebrating the Gift of Being Alive, has the perfect thoughts and words for birthdays, graduations, engagements, marriages, and any life celebration or family tradition.
This exceptional book, Celebrating the Gift of Being Alive, has the perfect thoughts and words for birthdays, graduations, engagements, marriages, and any life celebration or family tradition.
