Facing the wind
If you ever find yourself driving northeast outside of Tucson, Arizona, you may happen upon Biosphere 2, owned and operated by the University of Arizona. Inside this large campus of glass domes is essentially a mini-Earth. Whole ecosystems exist in what is the world’s largest science experiment. Scientists study everything from tropical wetlands to CO2 levels in desert soil to oceanic chemistry and its effects on coral growth. And it’s all done in a controlled environment.
Among the many interesting discoveries made inside this Biosphere had to do with trees. They noticed that trees of all varieties grew much faster inside the dome than in the wild, but they struggled to fully mature. In time, they would collapse on themselves before they could reach their full height.
At first, scientists were confused. The trees had everything they need: light, water, rich soil. All the right elements to allow for strong growth. So… why weren’t these trees maturing as well as they should? The answer: there was no wind.
As it turns out, trees actually need the movement of wind to help them grow. While wind acts as a form of stress on trees, it’s that very stress that helps strengthen them and creates stability to grow. Wind forces the tree to seek out what it needs to survive, to look for ways to become more stable. It’s why we see trees in those awkward shapes or bent at odd angles. They’re seeking out the strength needed to push against the wind.
In this biosphere, there’s no wind. No need for resistance. Which also means no force that causes trees to become more resilient. And if they never face struggle or obstacles then such an easy life eventually leads to weak, failing trees.
As you might’ve guessed, we could learn something from this scientific discovery. Trees aren’t the only living things that can actually benefit from challenge and struggle. We might often long for an easy, care-free life. We might wish to tune out the hurts of the world around us or to avoid as much stress or worry as possible. Afterall, no one desires a more difficult life.
And yet, it’s those very things that help us develop resilience to stand strong. Sometimes it’s a light breeze… other days it feels like a real gust of wind that nearly knocks us off our feet. But each challenge helps us find our footing, forces us to look for support around us, and causes us to dig deep, creating stronger roots.
I think of those well-known words of Psalm 23. The statement is not if we walk through the darkest valley, but when. It’s in those hardest moments that we recall God’s presence with us, walking us beside still waters and restoring our soul. If we’re willing, the challenges of life are what guide us toward stronger faith and deeper roots.
No one wishes for more difficulties in life. And yet, when those struggles come, may we put our face toward the wind and feel firmly planted in the grace of God. Our roots give us strength and confidence to meet whatever comes our way.
