The Redwood

The redwood trees are the tallest in the world. The interesting thing about them is their root systems are only five to six feet deep.

But so what? This week I have to give a talk in church. My topic is faith. Which is really simple, but also really broad. In thinking about what I could say I kept thinking about the redwood trees.

Faith is tricky. It's belief in something that you can't see. For some people, it isn't a problem to believe that God exists. Others have moments of doubt. We are a forest of different trees, each growing towards the same heaven but each relying on our own growth to get there. Part of the journey is accepting the fact that we won't have all the answers. Most of the time, growing seasons aren't perfect. There isn't enough water, there isn't enough sunlight, bugs destroy part of the bark. From year to year the size of our growth may vary. But as long as we're growing, our goal is getting closer.

Our roots don't have to be in deep doctrine, in having all the answers, in order to facilitate growth.

Another interesting thing about the redwood tree root systems are that they interlock with the trees around them. There is a vast network of intertwined roots underneath a redwood forest. New trees either sprout close to the older trees or can even grow straight off of a fallen mature redwood. If a redwood tree was by itself, the roots would not be a sufficient anchor to keep a tree grounded and growing vertically. But because they rely on one another, they are able to borrow the strength of the forest and keep on keeping on.

Now what? One valuable resource we have to grow our faith is each other. We can rely on the system of our friends, our ward, and our family. We can learn from the experiences of others, discuss common questions, and lean on the faith of someone else when we are too weak to do it alone. Relationships we have in life are important. With the help of those around us, we reach our potential as the tallest trees.