My wife and I recently got away for our 25th anniversary. We enjoyed a beautiful trip to Lake Tahoe. It is an amazing place with fantastic views, clear pristine water, and amazing trees. As we hiked together on some days (and I ran on others) through the multitude of trails and walking paths, I marveled at the Jeffrey Pines, the enormous Sugar Pines and the shaggy Cedar’s that filled the state parks and national forests. Standing in some of these ancient forests is truly a humbling experience. To consider all that those majestic trees have seen in their lifetimes is truly awesome.
One morning I ran through an area that had been protected from development. South Tahoe is home to a variety of casinos. There are lots of other companies that are trying to get a piece of that pie, but it is also important for the natural landscape to be preserved for the sake of wildlife and for the enjoyment of the millions of people who vacation in and around Tahoe. Finding the balance between development and preservation is crucial for the wellbeing of humanity and the whole creation.
Sometimes we get so short sighted in life because we are so focused on a goal or objective that we miss the bigger picture and the potentially harmful impact of our actions and behaviors. I was reminded of the saying “can’t see the forest for the trees.”
In our lives of faith, how often do we get so focused on what we are doing right here that we forget to step back and look at the whole? Both are important skills. Sometimes the larger picture can overwhelm us and so focusing on the next step is what is necessary to progress. At other times our singular focus can keep us unaware of the harm we may be inflicting on others around us. So friends, as we journey in faith may we learn how best to implement both skills and enjoy the gift of the forest as well as the wonder of each tree. Watch where you are going in that next step and also remember to look up and out to get a view of the whole landscape.
Soli Deo Gloria!