Bee Behind Bars

My favorite part about this photo

isn’t the shadowy contrast the steep canyon walls provided as the sun started to set

or the splash of pink my gear presents against the muted, natural color of the rocks surrounding me

or the feelings of bold exploration brought on as my memory of that ride resurfaces.

None of those things are my favorite part of this picture.

Did you notice the small tree growing out of the rock in the top right hand corner? That’s my favorite part.

That little tree is growing. Growing, despite an utter lack of life-sustaining resources. Growing, beyond all reasonable expectations for any plant, let alone a tree. Growing, even though growing shouldn’t be possible.

That little tree is showing us all how to “be” when everything else seems barren and bleak…

Steadfast.