Networks
When I was little, we lived in a remote area of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. I especially remember the aspen trees. They turn brilliant gold in the fall. But what I loved best about them was the way they talked to each other. These aspens are known as “quaking aspens” because their leaves are easily stirred into motion. You can hear the rustling of thousands of leaves, even without much of a breeze. I loved that sound, and someday I hope to hear it again. I thought the aspens were whispering and laughing with each other. Aspens seemed to be alive in ways that other trees were not, almost more like people than trees.
As it turns out, my five-year-old self was not so wrong about that! When you see a stand of aspen trees, you are seeing what many scientists consider to be one organism. Above the ground, aspens that look like individual trees actually share a single, massive root system. The trees are genetic clones of one another. What drives the life force of aspen trees is the underground root system. The immense root system will lie dormant until it senses the right conditions above ground, especially a clear area with lots of sunshine. This then coaxes the root system to send up some tree shoots.
Though we often tend to think of ourselves as individuals, we humans also have a communal aspect of being: think of your congregation. You, as an individual, are also a member of a congregation. There is no such thing as a congregation of one.
And apparently there is no such thing as a lone aspen tree, either.
Aspens are a useful metaphor for human networks, the social and business connections that help us thrive. We are “rooted” in networks of family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and people with whom we do business. In my network, for example, one way I give support includes my checking in on a homebound neighbor (who in turn tells me all the great new British mystery shows streaming on the service we both use). I receive support through the mechanic who keeps our old cars running safely and well (and whose business, in turn, is economically supported by our family). Information, support, and helpful actions continuously flow throughout our living network with others, just as water and nutrients flow through an aspen stand’s shared, living root.
And, like the aspen root system, when conditions are right — when we give the sunshine of our attention to our connections — our networks may send up visible signs of new growth, just like aspen tree shoots. New collaborations and ministries may sprout up where none were growing before. But your root network of connections might have quietly been waiting underground for a while, before being activated by your prayer, attention, and intention.
God’s world is deeply, intricately, and wonderfully interconnected. Your network shows you the ways that God works through you to help others, and the ways that God works through others, to help you.
Further resources:
How to create a mind map
https://www.art-is-fun.com/create-a-mind-map
Pando, the most massive known aspen clone
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/fishlake/home/?cid=STELPRDB5393641
Image Credit: https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/tree-profile-aspen-so-much-more-than-a-tree
Reflection by Pastor Anna Havron
Questions for Reflection:
- What are the contours of the network that you give and receive energy, help, and support through? Ask God to show you all the ways your life interconnects with others. Create a simple drawing called a mind map (check out the link below for tips). Draw a circle in the center of a piece of paper, and write your name inside it. Then draw branches out to different categories of connections you have — friends, colleagues, people you do business with, other congregations you’re in ministry with, fishing buddies, book club…? Are there any shared connections? Write it down. What connections did you discover? Were you surprised by this process? How so?
- Prayerfully consider the complex world-wide networks necessary for you to receive … well… anything in your life! Last night our family made a dessert with fried apples. This would not have been possible without:
• God’s gift of this planet and all that is needed for life, including soil, sunshine, water, and fruit trees
• the farmers who planted and cared for the orchards
• the workers who picked the apples
• the drivers who brought the apples to the farm stand
• All the people who made our car’s parts all around the world, the people who built our car, and the people who help us maintain the car we drive to the farmer’s market
• All the people whose care and work all around the world made it possible for us to have exotic ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and sugar in our kitchen
• Our daughter who came up with the idea and worked to make the dessert for everyone