Right now there is a lot of pessimism in the world. There are so many loud voices that demand our attention which continue to create fear, mistrust, division, anger and despair. Some people are reveling at the possibility that the end of the world is near and destruction is at hand. They are like the angels who "are crying unto the Lord day and night, who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the fields." D&C 86:5. Are we sometimes like those angels who are excited to have the tares bundled and burned?
I suggest taking a break from the doom and gloom for a minute and take a walk outside in nature. What you might find is a message of optimism. Observe and take notice of what God might be saying. God speaks loudly in nature. These messages in Nature are important for us to hear. They should be viewed, noted and appreciated. I believe that God's hand is not only written in scripture, but it’s also in nature. God is speaking to all of us, more or less all of the time. We determine how much we want to hear and are willing to let in. We just need to observe it. Francis Bacon wrote, “God has, in fact, written two books, not just one. Of course, we are all familiar with the first book he wrote, namely Scripture. But he has written a second book called Creation."
We must read them both.
One such message in Nature that my wife and I saw this past week was this Weeping Pine. Below is the photo I took of the tree. It appears to be dead. If this tree was in your front yard, this would be at the top of the honey-do list to have it cut down and removed.
But take a look at a close up of one of the branches.
If you look closely you can see small signs of life.
I think there is a message of Optimism found in this Weeping Pine. There are signs of life in this tree that appears to be a completely dead. In fact the new growth coming out of the nearly dead tree is the most vibrant green color I have seen. It is beautiful new life.
I am reminded about the story of Abraham who pleaded to the Lord to not destroy the city of Sodom if Abraham could find a few righteous people.
In Genesis 18 we read this dialogue between Abraham and God:
ABRAHAM: Will you destroy all the city for their wickedness if I find there forty-five righteous? GOD: I will not destroy, but spare them.
ABRAHAM: If perhaps there should be forty found there?
GOD: I will not destroy it for forty’s sake.
ABRAHAM: If perhaps there shall thirty be found there?
GOD: I will not destroy them if you shall find thirty there.
ABRAHAM: Will you destroy them if perhaps there shall be twenty found there?
GOD: I will not destroy them for twenty’s sake.
ABRAHAM: If perhaps ten shall be found there?
GOD: I will not destroy them for ten’s sake.
.........
ABRAHAM: If perhaps there should be forty found there?
GOD: I will not destroy it for forty’s sake.
ABRAHAM: If perhaps there shall thirty be found there?
GOD: I will not destroy them if you shall find thirty there.
ABRAHAM: Will you destroy them if perhaps there shall be twenty found there?
GOD: I will not destroy them for twenty’s sake.
ABRAHAM: If perhaps ten shall be found there?
GOD: I will not destroy them for ten’s sake.
.........
The reason why Abraham was so acknowledged by God was because Abraham didn't give up on Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham was trying to save the lives. The characteristics that Abraham possessed is the same as Gods. Long-suffering, patient, forgiving. You contrast that with the zealous and impatient angels who are so quick to reap and cut down. Because Abraham has a similiar outlook and nature as God, God said to Abraham.. It is through you Abraham, I will make your Father of Nations.
I am wondering if Abraham would ask the same questions about this Weeping Pine.
ABRAHAM: Would you destroy this tree if I can find a few living branches?
GOD: I will not destroy the tree.
The reaping angels: Let's cut down the tree and burn it.
What do we want? Are we like Abraham? Would we want to nurture to try and save this Weeping Pine if you see a few living branches? Or would you be more like the reaping angels who would want to cut the tree down?
I am wondering if Abraham would ask the same questions about this Weeping Pine.
ABRAHAM: Would you destroy this tree if I can find a few living branches?
GOD: I will not destroy the tree.
The reaping angels: Let's cut down the tree and burn it.
What do we want? Are we like Abraham? Would we want to nurture to try and save this Weeping Pine if you see a few living branches? Or would you be more like the reaping angels who would want to cut the tree down?
