The developers of our neighborhood did their very best to preserve the native Ponderosa Pine trees that are scattered across eastern Colorado. Any building lot that has one of these beautiful pine trees garners a premium price. We don’t have any!
About two blocks from our house there is a fantastic cluster of these trees in an area that was developed about two years ago. The owners of these homes integrated these trees into their landscaping and the general contour of their house design.
Unfortunately, many of these trees are dying. The needles are brown and the stately Ponderosas are past the point of saving.
These are trees that have been around for a very long time. They have withstood varied and unforgiving weather cycles. From cold to hot, from hail to tornados; the Ponderosas have prevailed. They’re rugged trees. That is until something disturbs their root system. External assault is no match for the Ponderosa… but if you mess with its source of nourishment and stability it’s just a matter of time.
“…that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” ~ Ephesians 3:16-19 (ESV)
Rooted and grounded… in the love of Christ…
And when we are, then the onslaught, and the circumstances of life, and the pain, and the suffering, and boldness, and the resolve, and the forgiveness, and the gentleness, and the patience, and the vibrancy remains… even when.
But…
Learn from the Ponderosa. Roots are not to be trifled with. Never.
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Dan: It is good to read your stuff. It has been many years since out time in Wengatz and I am thankful that I found your blog. God bless you as you minister leading YFC.