Today we are going on a walk…One that we enjoyed a few years ago but one I thought we would stroll through anew for this season.
As each season is so different in nature revealing new lessons in each. And we need wisdom for this craziest of times, for we are experiencing a second wave of CoVid here in Australia at the moment!
We begin our walk on the boardwalk at the waterfront. This boardwalk winds through a coastal marshy reserve with native ferns, grasses, many beautiful species of Australian Gums & a Koala habitat.
The gum trees are in blossom at the moment, so we can smell their sweet nectar as we wander deeper into the undergrowth.
The tide is receding from its high status, so the waves are gently lapping the shore beneath our feet where the boardwalk extends out over the water…it’s a beautiful winter’s day…
As we wander along enjoying the beauty of this amazing water wonderland …we round a bend & just ahead through the foliage we catch a glimpse of a fallen ghost gum in the sea.
Storms of Life
I comment that this once beautiful Gum, along with two others nearby sadly met their demise in a huge storm awhile ago.
The ground literally was washed out from under them by the relentless crashing waves of the storm, causing them to fall not far from where they had once stood tall in their majestic splendor…
Then as we draw closer to the ghostly trunks we notice something extraordinary has happened…there is new growth on the fallen!
Although submerged in saltwater for up to twelve hours a day which should kill them…a branch has started to take the shape of a new strong & thickened trunk out of the fallen one!
It’s flourishing in its new circumstances when all had seemed lost!
When the roots are still attached
On further investigation as the tide ebbs, we notice that it’s roots extend from its fallen trunk & disappear into the solid earth of the shore, where it is obviously drawing the nutrients it needs to counteract being submerged in salt water!
This is such a poignant lesson…life storms such as this crazy year with its pandemic, civil upheavals & economic losses literally feel like the ground has been washed out from under us!
Causing our resolve to begin to fall, leaving us feeling weary & vulnerable. We may find ourselves submerged in a sea of life changing circumstances, that we neither welcomed nor desired!
Drawing strength & nourishment
However when our faith has been growing in fertile ground, we can extend our roots deeper into that relationship with our Savior receiving His strength & wisdom in these times.
Knowing that our Creator has promised never to leave nor forsake us & we will definitely be able to flourish in this strange season with all its changing tides!
“Blessed is the one whose trust is in the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots…
And it will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.”
Jeremiah 17: 7-8
We are now seated at a picnic table overlooking the water with our delicious cuppa, reflecting upon the wisdom in nourishing our soul in Him & growing anew where we find ourselves planted…
How are you nourishing your soul my dear friend & with whom are you nourishing it…When was the last time you felt truly restored in His nurturing wisdom & strength?
Until next time…
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
© 2020, Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog, Photos by Jennifer, All Rights Reserved.
Tea With Jennifer 
I loved this article, thank you for sharing. God bless you.
You’re welcome! Lovely having you join me in a cuppa 😀
Bless you! 🌳
Thank you & Bless you too! 😀
I needed the walk and the tree 🙂 Powerful photo and lesson which both you and your photos brought this morning. Thank you!
You’re most welcome Joanne! Glad you enjoyed your time here 😀
Aren’t trees amazing? We could learn a thing or 2 from trees. They thrive under the most dire circumstances, never give up, and send out new shoots even when all appears to be lost. Perfect quote from Jeremiah to go along with this post!
That they are Laurie! I love the vast variety of trees God has created too, so beautiful! 😀
I love the way that you, as do I, find countless ways to see God at work in the natural world. Right now, our robin is hatching out her third batch of eggs. She has definitely followed the command to “be fruitful!”
Thank you Elizabeth! God truly does reveal Himself to us through His creation.
It’s so special watching wild creatures bring up their offspring in our own backyards. 😀
The birds have been especially fruitful this year!
That they have! 😀
Thank you for a beautiful and timely reminder Jennifer. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos also. I’ve really been missing the water this year. Blessings to you sweet friend!!
I’m glad you enjoyed our walk together by the sea Terri. I love the water too & enjoy spending time in reflection there. 😀
Jennifer, I love coming here to find wisdom from God’s Word and to visit with a sister in Christ. Thank you for your encouragement and the beautiful analogy of the fallen gum tree.
You’re most welcome Pam! I love that we can enjoy a cuppa together across the miles around His word & truths. Have a great weekend sweet friend ♥
In every season, it helps my heart amd my mind to get outside. Thanks for this invitation to walk with you.
You’re welcome Michele, I’m glad you enjoyed our time together! 😀