Two years ago this month, my wife and I went on a little trip to San Francisco. We had a long list of sites we wanted to see and places to visit. One of the places was Muir Woods, which is filled with beautiful redwoods. As we entered the national park, I noticed a description on a plaque that described how the cluster of trees that surrounded us were formed. The clusters are called Family Circles because they are all related. Their roots are intertwined, and they exist to support one another. While standing among these giants, I had a few ideas that I wanted to share when I got back, so here are a few of them. As you may already know, the majestic trees found in the redwood forests of California have been on the earth for over 100 million years. I’ve read that at one point in time the giant redwoods could be found almost everywhere in the world, but they are now found primarily in a narrow strip of land near the California coast. The statistics describing the redwood tree are truly mind-boggling. For instance, these giants can live for upwards of 2000 years. They can weigh up to 500 tons. They may grow to a height of over 350 feet and be over 25 feet in diameter. With the size and weight of these trees, it would stand to reason that the root system would go deep into the earth, providing the support it would need to weather high winds, lightning storms, and earthquakes, but actually the roots aren’t very deep at all. In fact, they are only about 6-12 feet deep. The roots of each tree will spread out laterally and interlock with the root systems of surrounding trees, which gives them the strength they need to stay upright over millennia. And, in addition to the joint strength of their roots, these trees also release upwards of 500 gallons of water into the air each day to help create a moist fog that provides the other trees and plants in the forest the water they need to live. That’s a lot to soak in! I’m thinking of you as well. I’ve kinda gone off on a little “National Geographic” episode, but I did it to unfold how I see this applying to us in our community. The redwoods are a prime example of effective teamwork. In order to survive, withstanding adversities and inevitable hardships, all the redwoods must work together. By sharing their main resource (water) with the other trees and plants in the forest, they are truly making an investment in the team, and through their teamwork, these trees have results that reach the heavens. In the same way, I believe the results we are experiencing through the ministry of Crossroads are reaching the heavens and making an eternal difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. We have a strong root system embedded in our community where we find neighbor supporting neighbors with resources to make sure they don’t fall during the storms of life or grow weary when the weight of circumstances press down on them. Families of neighbors who have been planted in our community are fortunate to be surrounded by a caring, compassionate forest of love. Let’s continue to cultivate the Estes Valley with a love for neighbor that binds us together and ensures no one every finds themselves in a struggle alone. We really do need each other!

Growing up I needed my Dad whenever I was short on cash, and on more than one occasion, he would remind me that “Money doesn’t grow on trees!” I have discovered this to be true, but if you do come across a tree with money on it, I’d like to come see it. We’ve crossed the halfway point of our Neighbors in Need Challenge, so whatever you can rake up to send in for this would be greatly appreciated. You can make a secure online donation at www.CrossroadsEP.org or mail in a check to 1753 Wildfire Road, Estes Park, CO 80517