Let Creation Speak! An Invitation to Awe and Wonder by Michael Guillen, PhDSample

DANCIN’ IN THE DRYNESS

The desert rhubarb (Rheum palaestinum) thrives in an environment deadly to most life-​forms. Found high in the mountains of the Negev Desert across Israel and Jordan, its tall stalks sprout so many small, red flowers that they seem to be ablaze with fire.

Each year, the Negev receives a paltry two to six inches of rain. Even then, the desert is so hot and dry that two-thirds of the rainwater evaporates before it can even penetrate the soil.

Plants in the Negev typically have leaves or needles with small surface areas, to minimize evaporation. But not the desert rhubarb. Crowning its base, against all odds, are up to four huge leaves—each one about a foot-​and-​a-​half across. For a long time, this stunning anomaly stumped scientists; but now, after years of intense research, they understand and marvel at the plant’s miraculous design.

Each dark-green, plastic-like leaf has a waxy coating and is scored with wide grooves. The broad leaves collect precipitation and the grooves channel the rainwater to the ground in a way that optimally waters the plant’s main stem.

Because this brilliant self-​irrigation system is so effective, the rhubarb’s roots receive about sixteen times more water than the roots of desert plants all around it. In a light rain that doesn’t even wet the ground, the desert rhubarb still manages to water itself.

The scientists from Israel’s University of Haifa at Oranim who made these discoveries said that they knew of no other desert plant in the world that functions in this manner.

REFLECTION

There are times in life when it can feel as if we’re living in the middle of a desert, desperately trying to survive. Whether it’s a treasured relationship, our finances, our plans for the future, or our sense of joy that has shriveled up and died, we’re left wondering if it’s ever going to rain hope again.

During such times, God wants us to cry out to him for help. But beware: He doesn’t always answer right away. Just ask Job.

What then?

In such times, remember the desert rhubarb. Like that miraculous plant, you are designed with a brilliant, built-in, self-​irrigation system called thanksgiving.

Like oversized leaves, your arms open wide to collect your many overlooked blessings; and through prayer, you channel them in a way that waters your soul. Simply by giving thanks, you magnify the effectiveness of what little rain you’re presently receiving.

While others trudging through their own deserts are at the end of their rope, ready to give up and die, you are nourished by a sincere attitude of gratitude. It’s a unique strategy that empowers you not only to survive but to actually celebrate during life’s most severe droughts.