Beavers are killing several trees at Lenora Park in Snellville. Are beavers killing you?

This tree was planted by water and experienced healthy growth and a fruitful life until it succumbed to the attack of beavers. Now it is dying and will soon fall. The tree is dying because the vascular tissue (phloem) that transports life-giving nutrients up and down is cut off. It reminds me of Psalms 1 which says the man who delights in the law of the Lord, and meditates on it day and night, “is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 2-3.

When I considered the fate of this tree, I realized that “beavers” sometimes attack people who have all the advantages and growth a life in Christ provides. But they die. Why? Beavers cut their lifeline. Psalm 1 identifies three types of relationships that open us up to beaver attacks: walking in the counsel of the wicked, standing in the way of sinners, and sitting in the seat of scoffers rather than finding enjoyment in meditating on God’s word.

Reflection: Are beavers cutting your lifeline? What can you do to prevent beavers from killing your life?

This is the beginning of a series called “Mornings at Lenora Park.” These two images capture the mystic of fog after a rain.