In Praise of Trees

Trees are amazing neighbours! They provide us with oxygen, sequester carbon, have a moderating affect on the temperature, reduce erosion, prevent water runoff, provide shade, are habitat for many other species, and some even provide us with fruit and nuts. 

Trees, just like all of creation, can offer healing and can be a window into the nature of God. Trees are so critical to life on earth; they are also a potential place for divine encounter

Here are some reflection questions you can use to spend contemplative time with a tree. Go for a walk and find a particular tree or forested area that feels inviting to you. 

Consider how this tree or this part of the forest might be a sacred text where the Holy One can be revealed to you today...

Or, reflect on what gives you a sense of grounding or rootedness... 

Or, perhaps you feel you need to make a confession for humanity’s destruction of ancient trees and forests, and seek forgiveness...

Or, simply breathe and reflect on a sense of sacred reciprocity - giving and receiving so that all might flourish and thrive...

Blessing
May you live a life rooted and grounded
in God’s presence.
May you stand tall and strong,
Bending with grace and trust in life’s storms.
May you give and receive freely,
Holding on to nothing for long,
So that all life might flourish.
May you hold space for those 
Around you, bearing witness to
The joy and pain of life. 
Amen.

- Wendy Janzen