More Aspen than Oak

Originally sent October 2, 2024

Last week my wife and I were in Colorado visiting friends. The photos above are from a hike through the aspen groves. From the outside an Aspen looks quite vulnerable. Their limbs are small and spindly and their little leaves quake at the slightest breeze. In contrast, the mighty oak stands strong and its roots extend out as wide as its longest branch. The aspen, however, is unique in that the entire grove shares one root system. An aspen grove is literally one organism that can cover over 100 acres. The strength and resiliency that comes from the aspen’s massive root network far surpasses that of an oak.

What would it look like for you to be more aspen than oak? Instead of standing strong, independent, and alone, could you become more vulnerable, dependent, and interconnected? The world we live in is much more enamored with oak tress than aspens. We tend to tend to gravitate toward leaders that appear strong and powerful…those that seem to have it all together. Listen to this good news from II Corinthians 12:9-10:

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I want to be more Aspen than Oak…willing to share my weakness, turning towards others to create connection & community, trusting in God’s love and grace toward me. I hope you’ll join me.