Once in a while, we encounter the remains of a colossal tree on the trail. Sometimes we find an immense trunk laying on the ground rather than stretched to the sky. Usually, though, it’s a remnant of a root system tipped into the air that gets our attention.
We always stop when we see a tangled mass that once anchored a tree.
They’re beautiful, but not in the traditional way.
They’re gnarled and convoluted, but they’re strong.
They’re huge so they can hold a tree fast in the face of intense mountain weather.
They make me consider the condition of my own roots.
So here’s the question for me and for you today: What anchors you against the intense weather of life? Is it holding?
We have a few uprooted trees behind my house that were toppled over during storms and tornadoes. It takes a lot to pull up those giants, but I see trees right beside them that remain standing. So your question remains for me to ask myself: which tree will I be in the harshest storm?
Which tree. I love that. And the reminders of truth all around us.
I was blessed to read this post as very recently I also spent time reflecting on the importance of healthy roots. Glad we were neighbors this morning at Unforced Rhythms. May our roots go deep in Him as then they will surely hold. Blessings!
May they indeed.
This is thought-provoking indeed. I’ve always wanted to visit Yellowstone…. one day…. 🙂
You let me know and I’ll give you the insider lowdown. Did you know I worked there one summer?
Well I love a good storm, with the trees blowing and bending but not breaking. When they do break they are still useful, firewood, wood to crave with, the more character the wood has the better it looks planted among some pretty flowers and plants. So when I am shaken with a emotional storm I hang tight to my roots of being buried in Jesus Christ and though I may get uprooted He never cast me out, He continues to use me since nothing can separate me from Him. Once His, always His, once a tree always a tree no matter how it is used. Lovely post, made me think about my roots.
No matter how it is used. Absolutely.
That huge tree represents some pretty big obstacles each of us faces on this journey through life…the old song…I have an anchor that stills my soul [ a boys brigade song] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrjKUII-V18
.I have an anchor that stills my soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roar, fastened to the rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s Love.
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life when the clouds unfurl when the winds unfold in the sea of strive, when the strong tides lift and the cables strain,will your anchor drift or firm remain.
I am anchored in the Saviour’s love…..hope you don’t mind me commenting like this…but that tree inspired me 🙂
Mary, New Zealand.
So lovely, Mary. Thank you for sharing who you anchored in and the sweet lyrics. I am thankful to know how the tree inspired you!
Beautifully written Nat :). Roots; well Jesus, family, and my church family.
Love you – Carrie
Strong roots, Carrie. Strong roots.