The last sermon series I preached as Pastor of Garden of Grace was called “Teaching from the Trees.” Now our days are filled with trees. Trees uprooted by the storm that have fallen into houses, into cars, and across streets. Trees being cut and trimmed to make way for new power lines to be strung so that neighborhoods can be reconnected.
I remember how loud the crack was that signaled a tree was falling. I remember running to the center of our house, away from the window waiting to see which tree it was. I remember realizing just how powerful and destructive the trees looked after the storm when just a day before I marveled at their beauty.
Our community is uprooted just like the trees. We are waiting and watching to see what can be replanted. We are hoping and praying that power will be restored, connection will become reliable, and those whose houses were destroyed will find safety. When life gets interrupted and disrupted, it reminds us to stay rooted in what’s most important: family, community, and most importantly loving kindness.