“On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations”. Rev 22:2
A timber executive once remarked that when he looked at a tree, all he saw was a pile of money on a stump. Compare this with the Biblical view that trees are a gift of the creator “for the healing of the nations” They should be treated with gratitude and respect. We would then not abuse trees, but rather take what we need to live, but also give back. Because we have forgotten this, we continue to lose forests as deserts grow. Humanity’s well being depends on the wellbeing of the natural world.
Next time you see a tree , take a moment to express gratitude. with each breath you take in , feel the gratitude for the oxygen that the tree is breathing out. Reflect that that tree, by breathing in carbon dioxide and breathing out oxygen, is reducing the greenhouse effect, and cleansing the air for us.
Tropical forests do even more they produce oxygen and also contribute to planetary cooling by helping clouds to form. When tropical forests are cut down, the local climate becomes hotter and drier, making it more difficult for more trees to grow.
Commit today to planting a tree. Decide for yourself, or with your family or church members, where will you plant, how many and when… Make that commitment before God today.
“The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists” Japanese proverb