Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain – Henry David Thoreau
Nature is packed full of complex systems that work together to sustain life. Regardless of how zoomed in or out you look, you will find fingerprints of our creator. We can glean incredible spiritual lessons from the intelligent order that is displayed in the natural world. As an outdoor leader, you can rely on nature to be a classroom for the Holy Spirit to instruct and speak into the depths of your soul and the souls of those you lead.
In this Trail Talk series, a short lesson will examine a specific element of nature. Then, a spiritual parallel is drawn as an example of how we can use the wilderness characteristic to facilitate ministry. The hope is to compile some knowledge and share an idea on how you could use it to point those you lead toward Christ.
TRAIL TALK: How Christian Community Can Be Found in the Aspen Trees
DID YOU KNOW?
Aspen tree groves are one single living organism. They are called clonal colonies because they all spring from the same root system and share the same DNA. In fact, the root system is the life source of aspen trees and can remain live even when there are no trees growing. Because of this, aspen trees have been able to withstand the ages and are believed to be one of the oldest living organisms. Aspens have survived fire, climate change, and changes in the landscape. The shared root system helps aspen colonies maintain health of each individual tree as a community. Aspens are uniquely connected, however the forests underground world of roots is also known for collectively passing nutrients (sometimes with the help of fungi) even among different species to keep life above ground healthy.
APSEN TREES DEMONSTRATE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
It is fascinating to think about how trees look out for each other. Aspen trees have many elements that exemplify a healthy Christian community. Being connected by a common source of life, they are able to share all of their resources with each other to ensure no tree is in need. This relationship with each other is a natural picture of Act 4:32. As a community they function in unity, making sure each tree has what it needs to grow and live. They are one body as Christians are the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:26-27). When one tree suffers loss or damage, it hurts the whole community. When one tree flourishes, so does the colony. Aspens do not live secluded from other trees. They live among numerous other plant species. Their roots can give a receive nutrients with other trees living around them, as Christians are to be to the world.
QUIET TIME OR GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (some ideas)
- How have you experienced community on this trip?
- If you were an aspen tree, examine your condition. Consider your roots, trunk and leaves. Where do you see health? Where do you need strength or growth? What does your tree look like?
- Do you see any “trees” (other people) around you that need nutrients (encouragement, help, support, etc.) from you?
- What do aspen trees tell us about times of health (growth, prosperity, etc)? What do they tell us about times of hardship?
- What power or benefit do you see in a shared root system?
MORE ON COMMUNITY AND TREES
Keep learning about aspen trees and community! Here are some links to help you dive in further. SHARE YOUR IDEAS on how you can use aspen trees as a trail talk in the comments below.
Definitions: Community | Aspen Tree | Roots
Wikipedia: Community | Aspen trees
Scripture: Here are scriptures that include the words “community” and others that include the word “tree”
Quotes:
COMMUNITY
“Some people think they are in community, but they are only in proximity. True community requires commitment and openness. It is a willingness to extend yourself to encounter and know the other.” —David Spangler
“In most vital organizations, there is a common bond of interdependence, mutual interest, interlocking contributions, and simple joy.” —Max DePree
TREES
“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.” - Martin Luther
The trees are God’s great alphabet: With them He writes in shining green Across the world His thoughts serene. – Leonora Speyer
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
- Please share any ideas, quotes, or resources for using aspen trees as a trail talk in the comments below!
- If you are interested in writing a post for this trail talk series, contact me!
