The Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River present a magnificent sight. Water thunders 300 feet to the raging river below. Clouds of mist rise to make the many-hued minerals on the canyon wall glisten. Magnificent pines cover some of the canyon sides, separated by gashes of exposed rock where slides had stripped the vegetation. Certainly, “Artist’s Point” is the perfect designation for where Jan and I stood to take in the sound and views of the river plunging into the deep canyon of this national park.
I noticed an unusual tree just a few feet away from the scenic outlook. A medium-size lodgepole pine had rooted itself in the rocks. Somehow, with not a speck of real dirt, the tree had established a strong root system that anchored it to the crags of the sheer rock wall. Alone on the top of the rocky promontory, the thriving green tree stretched up in a testimony of mountainside resilience.
I learned later that this type of pine thrives in this type of inhospitable setting. In rocky hillsides or in burned out forests, the Pinus Contorta makes a home in the hard places. The secret of the lodgepole pine is its adaptability. Infertile soils or blackened meadows are no problem to the determined and extensive root system. Rather than fighting the rocky terrain, the roots work their way through the smallest cracks to anchor firmly against the wind. Varied weather patterns don’t hinder the growth of this sturdy tree that loves open spaces where others won’t or haven’t grown.
Hard places in our life are, well, hard. We often use the term traumatic. Broken bodies, broken promises, broken relationships, broken hopes, and many other pains assault us. We are left exposed on the sheer rocks of our circumstances, hoping we can hang on.
How can we find the resilience to hang on? Deep roots of intentional care for mind and body give the foundation. Strong connections with trusted partners enable us to adapt realistically to our situation. Engaging our energy in service to others enriches the fibers of our being. Reaching up toward the sunshine of hope with spiritual practices fuels our resolve.
The soil of our current life context may not be perfect. But our resilience can be beautiful to the Artist and the world!
Komentar