Life Can Grow from Death

Trees fall naturally in the forest for a variety of reasons—rot and inward decay, insect destruction, wind or storm. Nevertheless, each remains a vital part of the ecosystem, contributing long after she draws nourishment from it. In her death, she brings life to the forest. In her stillness, she fosters growth.

Dendrologists (folks who study trees), call these trees “nurse logs.” They heal the forest floor by offering nutrients to the soil. They provide a rich bed for seedlings to grow. They give homes and nourishment to small creatures who depend on their presence for survival. These nursemaids of the forest care for generations of trees they will never know. (Tree “knowing” is fascinating, by the way. It’s actual science!)

Our loved ones’ deaths can function in our lives much the same way. If we allow it, their lives can foster new life within us long after they are gone. We can take the wisdom they shared and apply it to our lives. We can learn lessons from our loss and reach out with greater compassion and kindness to those hurting around us. In an even greater way, Jesus’ death offers us new life. In him we live and move and have our being! As we claim the hope we have in Christ, we are strengthened and nourished for the life to which he calls us, even when it’s hard.

The next time you wander through the woods, keep your eye out for downed trees. Step a little closer and look nearby for signs of life—moss growing atop, insects skittering. And remember, even in death, God is doing this in you. Through death, God is nursing you back to life. Through loss, he is nourishing you to flourish again.