A PRINCIPLE OF LOVE

Once the Longleaf pine tree dominated the landscape of Southeastern United States from East Texas to Virginia, covering 90 million acres.  Today the Longleaf Pine is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the country.  According to American Forests, “Less than four percent of Longleaf pine forests remain — roughly 3.4 million acres. What’s more, a mere 12,000 of those acres are populated by old-growth longleaf pine. Even worse, the remaining longleaf pine is in largely fragmented stands and much is in poor condition.”

I look out over the Trinity River, which is the boundary line of East Texas, and realize I live on the edge of an endangered species’ habitat.  I am also blessed to share my home with three Longleaf pine trees.  I  say "share my home" because I believe our connection to God’s creation is less ownership than it is stewardship.  We may have a deed to land and home.  We may be able to call the law to expel trespassers, but we do not really own anything.  Even the idea of inheritance speaks less about ownership, and more to passing on the wisdom of proper stewardship.

The Longleaf pines I enjoy lived here a long time before and will prayerfully continue living here long after I am dust.  My highest connection to those trees and everyone and everything else in my life is that while they are in my presence they are loved.  One of the wonderful attributes of the Longleaf pine tree is that for the first five years of their life most of the growth is below the surface.  They grow a twelve foot tap root and an immense root system which enables them to prevent erosion and withstand high winds.  Our lives are measured in eternity not by the number of things, slipping through our fingers, but by the spiritual roots we spread.  Spiritual roots nurtured in the wisdom of Christ have the power to hold together all that a loving God entrusts to our care.  As I relax, breathe deep, and stretch my hands toward the clouds, I know when I am in the presence of God I am always loved.  I think I will purchase a couple Longleaf saplings today.