The image to the left is a picture of two trees in the Mariposa Grove of Yosemite National Park. They are called the 'Faithful Couple.' They stand over two hundred feet tall and are several centuries old. You can see that the base looks like one tree but at the top the two distinct trees are visible. Under the surface of the trees the root systems are intertwined and offer mutual support to both trees.
The sequoia forest was the favorite part of the trip for my daughters last summer. They were impressed with the majesty of the trees. We kept telling them that they were going to get to see some really big trees, but nothing could describe their awe as we explored the forest of these giants.
The sequoia trees we saw on that trip were so old, that many were likely seedlings when Jesus walked on this earth and because they grow so slowly, many looked the same today as they looked when some of the first Western settlers in California discovered the forest. We were also impressed with their resiliency. Though not in this photograph, the base of the 'Faithful Couple' trees are scarred by fire. Many of the trees in this forest have been through numerous fires, but they remain stable and viable.
Our experience with the trees touched something deep within us about life and changes. Lasting, stable changes in our relationships are usually slow to emerge and frequently result in something more wonderful than before. One of God's greatest lessons that he teaches us through creation is that most beautiful things are outcomes of considerable time, struggle, and maybe pain.
Look at the butterfly. Canyons and valleys are shaped slowly. Seasons change through days and weeks, not with the flip of a switch. Consider the stories of lives shared in God's ancient scriptures. Moses spent 40 years in a desert before leading the Exodus. Joseph spent decades as a servant and prisoner before taking charge of Egypt. Prophets lived a lifetime preaching about a Savior they would never meet.
We live in a microwave culture. "I want it now." We want instant success in business, our relationships and even our parenting. Though I think there are positive and even necessary changes that happen quickly, these are clearly the exception to a rule that is evident all over God's creation. In the forest of sequoias it was painfully evident how futile it would be to wish for speed. Among the sequoias time slowed down and there was a peace and tranquility that was both necessary and comforting. I must confess that as a parent there are things about my children that I want to change today and usually my efforts to make those changes fall miserably short. The lesson from the sequoias is that maybe the change we want needs some time and a willingness to enjoy the beauty of the process.
Spend some time reflecting about your marriage and your children. Be thankful for the growth and change you have seen. Be patient for the changes you hope for. And in the present enjoy the beauty that is with you.
The sequoia forest was the favorite part of the trip for my daughters last summer. They were impressed with the majesty of the trees. We kept telling them that they were going to get to see some really big trees, but nothing could describe their awe as we explored the forest of these giants.
The sequoia trees we saw on that trip were so old, that many were likely seedlings when Jesus walked on this earth and because they grow so slowly, many looked the same today as they looked when some of the first Western settlers in California discovered the forest. We were also impressed with their resiliency. Though not in this photograph, the base of the 'Faithful Couple' trees are scarred by fire. Many of the trees in this forest have been through numerous fires, but they remain stable and viable.
Our experience with the trees touched something deep within us about life and changes. Lasting, stable changes in our relationships are usually slow to emerge and frequently result in something more wonderful than before. One of God's greatest lessons that he teaches us through creation is that most beautiful things are outcomes of considerable time, struggle, and maybe pain.
Look at the butterfly. Canyons and valleys are shaped slowly. Seasons change through days and weeks, not with the flip of a switch. Consider the stories of lives shared in God's ancient scriptures. Moses spent 40 years in a desert before leading the Exodus. Joseph spent decades as a servant and prisoner before taking charge of Egypt. Prophets lived a lifetime preaching about a Savior they would never meet.
We live in a microwave culture. "I want it now." We want instant success in business, our relationships and even our parenting. Though I think there are positive and even necessary changes that happen quickly, these are clearly the exception to a rule that is evident all over God's creation. In the forest of sequoias it was painfully evident how futile it would be to wish for speed. Among the sequoias time slowed down and there was a peace and tranquility that was both necessary and comforting. I must confess that as a parent there are things about my children that I want to change today and usually my efforts to make those changes fall miserably short. The lesson from the sequoias is that maybe the change we want needs some time and a willingness to enjoy the beauty of the process.
Spend some time reflecting about your marriage and your children. Be thankful for the growth and change you have seen. Be patient for the changes you hope for. And in the present enjoy the beauty that is with you.
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