Sisters of Grace

When I took this photo at a Rock City, I was captivated that trees were growing in this unusual location. I began googling to learn more about trees like these. I learned trees that grow out of rocks have to withstand harder conditions. There is no soils to draw their nutrients, therefore these trees draw from the rock.

Consequently, the trees roots have to find cracks and crevices to burrow deep into. They must stretch deep into the rock, in order to get water. These trees persevere and even prosper against all odds! As stated “This deep-rooted determination shows us how life can endure and even thrive in the most unexpected and challenging of environments”. (treeplantation.com)

Therefore, we must always look to nature’s lesson and see how it’s not where we are that always matters. There will be environments that are less than ideal to our growth but we cannot whither away. We must learn to adapt to the harsh conditions and be flexible and resilient. These trees have mastered resourcefulness, by storing water for dry periods of time. The water is stored in their leaves and root systems.

These trees are beautiful, majestic and resilient; and so are YOU! What are the situations that you are facing that are uncomfortable? How can you continue to thrive despite the adverse circumstances? It’s quite simple, prosper where you are planted! We are often looking for a quick solution to get out of situations that we are meant to flourish in. However, I know how difficult it can be to stay planted in soil that seems unsuitable for sustaining life.

In the Bible, Paul was plagued by a thorn in the flesh, he asked God to remove it three times! However God, did not and simply said that his grace was sufficient. (2 Corinthians) There is purpose in pain! What we cannot fix on our own, gives us a dependency on God! His strength is given for our weaknesses. Like Paul, we must continue using our talents, skills and stories to create, inspire and evoke faith in a dark world! Faith to believe that like these trees we shall prevail amidst the unfavorable conditions and flourish!