Healthy Forests

Have you ever wondered what it takes to keep a forest healthy? Millions of acres are actively managed to help them thrive and to minimize the risk of wildfire. Forest managers have to know which species grow in their woods. How else can they figure out the best ways to nurture a healthy ecosystem? They walk through it and may designate small plots of land to study. They research the history of the area. Maps, aerial photos, and Google Earth are consulted. Laws and regulations must be followed. The value versus the cost of any plan must be considered. All of this information is compiled to guide them.

What comes of all this? Trees may be thinned, removing some so that the rest will grow better. Brush is often mown or carefully burned to reduce the danger of a catastrophic wildfire. There is always something more that can be done to nurture a healthy forest.

Our spiritual lives need tending too, and God has provided resources for us. We study the Bible, learning how to grow spiritually. We spend time with our brothers and sisters and pray for one another. We keep an eye on our own spiritual health. Is there sin that needs to be uprooted? Are fun activities crowding out even better ways to use our time for God? Perhaps those need to be thinned. Nurturing our spiritual health is an ongoing process, but it is well worth the effort. Like a carefully tended forest, our spiritual lives grow stronger, more resilient, and more fruitful when we invest time in prayer, Scripture, and reflection. Even small, consistent steps lead to lasting growth and deeper connection with God.

- Hunter Shirley

#MaysvilleMessenger