Me: Howdy, Prodigal how is tree climbing today?
Prodigal: Great! They have so many trees and they are very close together.
Me: I was just reading and I discovered something about the closeness of trees.
Prodigal: I would love to know.
Koechel Peterson shares a story in God’s Little Devotional Book about trees and how they work together.
The next time you visit a very dense forest, try to imagine what is taking place under your feet. Scientists now know when the roots of trees come into contact with one another, a substance is released that encourages the growth of a particular kind of fungus. This fungus helps link roots of different trees-even those of dissimilar species. If one tree has access to water, another to nutrients, and a third to sunlight, the fungus enables the transfer of these items to trees that may be in need. Thus the trees have the means of sharing with one another to preserve them all.
Our culture today applauds individualism. This isolates people from one another and cuts them off from the mainstream of life.
With technology, busyness of life and obligations, it is easy to pass through the days and weeks without really connecting to others but on a superficial level. Do I isolate from others at times? Of course I do. Is it the best thing always? No it is not. We need down time with God and to restore our soul but what is that balance. Well that balance looks different every day and every week. I am growing and learning through that balance now.
I will say this though. My friends out there, have loved me through this fault. God has gifted me with the best friends a person could have. They have loved me through the negative parts of my personality. They have loved me through my down days. They have loved me through my behaviors. I would never be where I am or who I am without being connected to your root! I love you and cherish you!
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
