Redwoods

There are many reasons people escape to the Redwoods.  Some come for the incredible, awe inspiring scenery.  The world’s tallest trees captured in the midst of the coastal mountains and rivers seem to say this is a primary reason.  Others come for the opportunity to exercise their bodies in a nourishing way.  Still others come to gather with family and friends.  The chance to escape the rush of the city, noise of the normal, and just be with those who are close to your heart is a call they cannot deny.
 
If you were to ask me I find that the logic that drives others while compelling, is not the true heart answer.  I come because it is an opportunity to remind my soul of what is real.  There is much that I love in my life.  Many things grow in importance as time passes.  The rush of winning is infectious and drives me towards a path of even more winning.  But is any of it real?  Is any of it really important?  Is the importance I attach to the immediate something that will transcend time?
 
The Redwoods remind me that the answers are simple.  Yes, life in any and all forms is real.  Sometimes life can be dangerous and frightening, while the same scene, it could be anywhere, is on other occasions quiet and fulfilling.  Yes, life is always important.  The simple reason is that people are involved and people are important, every last one of them!  The last question is the real heart of the conundrum.  To say something that is in the immediate will transcend time suggests that we know the focus of the immediate.  This raises a question or two.  Are we focused on self or others?  Community is important and transcends time.
 
The invitation to come apart and sit with God is open to all of us.  You don’t need an excuse, Redwoods are not required.  I hope your story finishes with this tag line.
 
“But later, after his family had gone up to the Feast, he also went.”  (John 7.10)