Im thinking about trees this morning. Maybe its because of recently reading The Overstory by Richard Powers. Or perhaps its because I see The Language of Trees by Katie Holten is sitting next to my bed on the night stand. Or it could be because I saw a picture on the internet of an enormous old banyan tree that I stood next to in India. Or its likely because I always look out the window first thing in the morning at our beautiful maple in the side yard, a replacement to the earlier tree that had to be removed.
But if you want an example of a great tree, a true elder, consider Methuselah. A bristlecone pine in the White Mountains of California, Methuselah is the oldest living pine tree in the world; 4,853 years old according to tree ring data. The tree has biological adaptations that allow it to resist insects, fungi and other pests. And the exact location in the Inyo National Forest is kept a secret to keep it from human pests and likely endangerment.
Then theres an olive tree on the Greek Island of Crete that is estimated at 3,000 years old, and a bald cypress tree in Florida that is 3,500 years old. The longevity of trees can be amazing as they watch us humans come and go.
Im wondering what it is that makes great trees? Is it their ability to adapt to all that nature throws at them; the cold, the heat; draught and flood? Is it the mutual giving and taking of the elements around them; the breathing in of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen? Is it the solidity and connectivity of their relationship with the earth; the fact that they are deeply rooted? Is there any wisdom in a great tree for a great country?
One cant help but see or hear daily the campaign slogan Make America Great Again. Although the campaign is long over, the slogan, the hats, the refrain remains. What does it mean? What is greatness? How does a relatively young nation achieve the greatness of a 3,000-year-old tree? Greatness in human terms has been defined as of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above the normal or average. Its comparative, not integral.
Consider similar words to great: prominent; eminent; important; distinguished; august; illustrious; noble; celebrated; noteworthy; famous; renowned; acclaimed; revered; admired; leading; high; chief; main; remarkable; outstanding; gifted; foremost; exceptional; peerless; unsurpassed. These are the words and ideas that lie behind MAGA and the present occupant of the White House. One again, they are comparative. Higher than whom? Foremost? Who lies behind?
Jesus taught greatness is found in serving others, not in having others serve you. He taught that if anyone wanted to be great, they needed to be last of all and a servant to all. Read Mark 9:35, MAGA minions. Its not about gaining power and wealth, offering gold cards to millionaires instead of green cards to refugees! Its not about cozying up to the un-principled powerful but caring for the poorest and powerless. Its not about lording it over others but trying to better oneself.
For Christians, greatness is found in humility, valuing others above yourself. Its found in becoming like little children. Its in following the ancient model, Jesus! Its not about being on the top of the ladder, having all the cards, or calling the shots. Its listening and hearing those in need and responding as one is able, in Jesus name, to the point of offering ones life.
Greatness in Scripture isnt about comparison, its about personal integrity and keeping the faith. Its taking in the carbon dioxide that is damaging others and breathing back life-giving oxygen! Its about being deeply rooted in principles and values and offering others safe shelter in storms. Its about offering shade to others in the heat of the day and the warmth of a fireplace in the dark days of winter. Its about helping your 248-year-old country stay rooted and growing like a Jurupa Oak.
Living in our country, in California, the jurupa is the oldest known living oak tree in the world; a sprawling shrub reaching 80 feet in length, it is estimated to be 13,000 years old. Our lives are small and insignificant compared to this ancient oak. But if we pay attention to these God-given gifts of trees and their place in Creation, we might better learn how to interact with each other; as there is an intentional harmony in the life of trees we would be wise to understand and implement in our own human interactions.
Is there enough humility in MAGA world to learn from creation and the creator?
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