Up a Tree

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:15-17 ESV). I read the following excerpt from an article by Nicole Achs Freeling, titled “The Learning Tree”: The top of a 90-foot-tall Southern white oak may be a great place to spend the night if you're a cardinal or a blue jay. But it's not exactly the place you'd expect to see a group of, say, Internet executives setting up camp. Not, that is, unless you're a fan of the emerging sport of tree climbing, a pursuit that takes the childhood passion of hoisting oneself into a favorite tree's branches to new and sometimes extreme heights. "It's a mystical experience," says certified arborist Peter Jenkins, founder of Atlanta-based Tree Climbers International, which teaches a climbing course that takes people to points among the canopy from 60 to 200 feet high. "The wind comes up and stirs the tree, like it's speaking to you. It's about being with nature, and being with yourself." I have climbed in a few trees in my life. Usually they were equipped with ladder rungs and topped with a platform of some sort. They always were used to gain a sight advantage while deer hunting. I must admit that sitting alone in a tree and listening to nature wake up around me is a very refreshing experience. I thoroughly enjoy the quiet time of reflection it provides. God is very real to me in those moments. Perhaps that’s the kind of “mystical experience” Mr. Jenkins is talking about in his explanation of this new “sport.” Regardless, it does point us to the truth that there is a need within all of us to get in touch with the Divine. This is the heart of Paul’s instruction contained in our reading this morning. God has made it possible for us to call to him as a child to their father: “The Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts.” It is in that experience that we may understand the many facets of our relationship with God. I have noticed that many people never grow in their relationship with God. To them he is no more than some mystical being far removed from their daily experience. God’s desire is to be known as he knows. He desires us to let the presence of the Holy Spirit grow in us to the point that we become the closest of friends. What kind of friendship can be nurtured with only moments together separated by lengthy absences? Perhaps you need to climb a tree, or merely get alone in a quiet place. Either way, find God and experience his voice speaking to you. It will surprise you how much he will tell you about himself. He is not hidden from you, though you do have to look for him.