It's Tough Sometimes...

This past week I have been away from my normal routines, away from the typical, and in my element.

For a video project we are working on for an annual conference finance team, we are using the imagery of redwood trees. Other than the tannins in the bark which help fend off insects and the risk of fire, one of the reasons redwood trees are able to grow so large and live so long is found in their roots. Though they are comparatively shallow as tree roots go, the root systems of the redwoods are interconnected which allows them to gather nutrients from across the forest and work together to provide stability and strength to last.

The annual conference was able to meet about 3/4 of their shared ministry goals in 2005 but the local churches that make it up gave around a half a million dollars to the various natural disasters around the country and around the world. Financially speaking, in order to build towards the future, to have strength and stability, it takes some working together and some interconnectedness. It is in those tightly woven places where new life and growth occurs.

So, I was sent out to drive through northern California gathering footage in one of the most beautiful regions of the country. And it was just amazing! Other than carrying a tripod on my shoulder and having a limited amount of time, there was nothing better than hiking through the park with my camera. The stillness. The beauty. The sense of wonder and awe. It was just perfect.