Meet the Mighty Arizona Sycamore

We met these stunning beauties in person while visiting Montezuma’s Castle during our Arizona trip a few weeks ago.

A few fun facts about the Arizona Sycamore, taken from the National Park Service‘s info page:

• These giants can grow up to 80 feet (almost 24.5 meters) tall.
• The bark sheds constantly, always recreating (or updating?) its look.
• The tree requires water equal in weight to its leaves every day, meaning it only lives near permanent sources of water.

While us humans usually top out under seven feet tall, we do have a few things in common with these gorgeous giants.

Unending updates

We need to be constantly growing and changing as our relationship with Christ deepens.

This requires shedding the things of this life that detract from our spiritual walk, whether they reside in our inner thought life and attitudes, or our behaviors with and toward others.

This shedding of the old ways will change the way we appear to the people we journey this life with.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Ephesians 4:21-24 NLT

Steady Sustenance

We must let our roots grow deep into the Source of living water that never dries up.

Without a constant supply of time spent in God’s presence, our spiritual health can start to shrivel. We easily fall back into the old ways, and our growth is severely stunted.

Asking God to speak to our hearts as we read his Word, talking to him and listening to what He has to say, and spending time with other followers of Christ are all ways to send our roots deeper into what He has for us.

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!”

Psalm 92:12-15

Let’s strive to stay connected to our Source of life, leaving the old ways and growing healthy and strong in Him!

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I have created a “Soaking in Scripture” printable bundle to help you spend time reflecting on God’s Word and responding to what it’s saying to you. You can find this bundle in my Etsy shop, Prints by Lauri.