A Vision As Big As An Aspen

A Vision As Big As An Aspen

By: Kaila Babiak

            The largest living organism in the world is located in the state of Utah. Its name is Pando, meaning in Latin, “I spread.” And spread it does. For hundreds and hundreds of years it has continued to spread, covering more ground and claiming more land its own. What is Pando? It is one colony of Quaking Aspen trees, all sharing the same root system, with each new tree being an exact clone of the original male tree.

            Aspen trees grow mainly in North America. They do produce seeds, but rarely grow up from seeds. Rather they expand from the original tree’s root system. They are smaller, thin trees, with a whitish bark. They do produce seeds each spring. There are generally about 10 seeds in each pod, covered by fluffy white stuff. In the fall, the leaves turn a glorious, golden color. When they turn this color it is easy to identify the separate colonies of aspens.

            There’s nothing all that special about Aspens. Sure, they look beautiful in the fall and they have lovely bark, but other than that there would be nothing to draw you aside on first glance. But it is upon deeper and more intense examination that we discover the true glory of Aspens. Their root system is a spectacular example of an intertwined generational unit that builds upon earlier generations. This is a beautiful example of the vision that Christian families need to have. We need a vision that reaches far beyond the outward appearance, but stretches down deep into our roots. We need a vision that passes on from generation to generation. We need a vision created to last, so that the future generations can still hold on to that same vision.

            Having a vision may seem unrealistic at times, especially because so many of us live in a day to day world, focusing on getting through the present trial at hand. But, though it may be hard, it is essential that we think about our future generations. Aspens would not be able to spread the way they do if they had a weak root system. It is because of the strength of their roots that they can spread and take over the land. In the same way we need to have strong, Scriptural visions that will last and be passed down to our great-great-great-grandchildren and so forward.

Proverbs 29:18

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.