Summer, winter, spring, and fall this gentleman starts running before the break of day. It reminds me of what I learned in Ghana — all Africa runs at the dawn.

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.