Cheryl Coles has been married 37 years, came to know Jesus 25 years ago, and has appreciated the encouragement of this SUM community for 5 years. She is a high school algebra teacher in Washington.
All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name. Psalm 66:4
Come and see what the Lord has done. Psalm 66: 5a
There is a green space near my home where I have the privilege to regularly escape and connect with God through nature. In this area there is a fir tree that I am particularly fond of. This tree is obviously old, at least 80 years old, and perched on the edge of a cliff.
One day, I noticed the huge root of this gorgeous tree. The exposed part is as wide as me and about 20 feet long. It makes a whimsical, winding pathway right to its base. My footsteps have often walked this root “path” to lean on the trunk and take in the gorgeous view from the edge.
One day, when I gazed at the large root, I realized it reached far into the hillside, deep into the rock. Matthew 7:24 immediately came to mind. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
This tree didn’t get to choose where it was planted, but still, it sunk its roots deep into the rock. What an example for us!
If you feel like your life is like living on the edge of a cliff, then follow the example of the fir and sink your roots deep into the Rock. Reach for strength in the true foundation. Get your daily bread/nutrients from our Creator.
I have started making a habit of hugging this tree. (Silly, I know.) Its solidness has radiated out of itself and into my arms many times. Yes, of course, a tree is solid, but this tree is extra solid! I’m sure this is due to its harsh life and environment. This is yet another lesson. Building your life on the Rock will make you solid, too. You will be able to withstand the storms of life even when living on the edge of a cliff.
Sink your roots into the Rock!
How do you sink your roots into the Rock? This tree root became thick and wide and strong by the sum of many days of reaching and persevering. Abide. Having a life of 80 years or more on the edge of a cliff, exposed to every wind and storm (and even a fire), has made a beautiful, solid example of life built on the Rock. Here, on the edge of a cliff, infinite gorgeous sunrises and sunsets have come and gone. Numerous wildlife have leaned on its firm branches, rested in its shade, and trusted in its presence. This tree has only ever experienced this single location, and yet it has flourished and provided shelter to others, and most importantly, has declared the majesty of its creator.
This sturdy tree has endured years of difficulty, and yet, if you look closely, you will see that it is full of pine cones. Much energy has been sacrificed for the next generations of pine trees. We, too, can pay it forward and invest in the next generation. Through good times and bad, energy spent on the next generation is not wasted. Be forward-thinking, always looking to the future.
You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:7When was the last time you noticed the glory of God in His creation? Notice His mountain majesties, His vast oceans, His delicate snowflakes, and His perfectly placed freckle on your child’s nose. “Come and see”! He is calling to you. Do you hear Him? Do you see Him? Come and see!
Come and see what the Lord has done. Psalm 66: 5a
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