Evergreen forests are home to a variety of pines. These needled trees retain their beautiful shades of green year-round. Their never-changing color makes them appear strong and healthy. Despite growing to soaring heights, pine trees are deceiving in their stature. Their strong branches can support a heavy snow load. But they can easily be uprooted by high wind gusts. Trees in pine forests shelter and protect one another from the dangers of storms by standing together. They lean on one another and keep each other upright. They shelter one another without crowding.
People aren’t so different from pine trees. We can appear solid and healthy standing alone. We can withstand many brutal storms solo. But much of our strength comes from those who surround us. These are the people who ensure we stay upright when the winds become more than we can handle by ourselves. As humans, we need to stand together. Be supportive and sheltering of one another.
The depth of our roots doesn’t determine our stability. Those who stand nearby help us brace for the storms that come our way. Roots anchor us, but alone can’t keep us standing tall. Make sure you are standing in the midst of those you care about. You may need to be or can be the beautiful green strength in someone else’s life. Needs differ for us all. We can be the perseverance that comes from the ground and extends like a canopy of branches. There are those above looking out for you, and you are simultaneously towering over another who seeks comfort from the storm. May we be strengthened by those who grow in your Evergreen forest.