Recently I spent the Christmas holiday in Northern California, our home for many years, for some time with my friends, the beach and the redwoods. When I see those majestic trees, so much diminishes in their presence. They have withstood the pressures of the ages, survived the drought and the ravages of the sea. Yet they stand as the tallest and oldest trees in the world.

They have one weakness- very shallow roots. Standing alone, the roots can not support the weight or the height of the tree. One storm would knock it to the ground. These trees survive because their shallow, tangled roots weave into the tree near it, another shoot from the mother tree, that forms a circle of interconnected trees that together can sustain any force of nature- earthquakes, tornadoes, fire, storms- none of it can destroy them. These “Kings of the Forest” are respected world wide for their strength and beauty.

And I think of how Unitarian Universalism used to be the “Great American Religion,” now no one knows who we are. It brings me profound sadness when I see how we destroy ourselves- through conflicts that we avoid until they blow up and cause great pain. Through a lack of stewardship to fund our mission. By allowing our own lives to be so full with busyness that we neglect our spiritual lives. We have the power to change this. John Muir says, “Any fool can destroy trees. They cannot defend themselves or run away. Through all the eventful centuries since Christ’s time, and long before that, God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand storms; but he cannot save them from sawmills and fools; this is left to the American people. “

Take care of our faith. Remember that we are connected and can help or destroy each other. Stand tall and link arms with your neighbor. We are better together.

Rev. Christina Neilson
Congregational Life Consultant SLD