Some unusual words are fascinating.
And, occasionally, I’m inclined to dig for a better understanding of one. Seeing photographs or images in real time usually get me going in that direction.
Here’s my latest one: Inosculation. From a botanical perspective, this is a natural occurring phenomenon by which tree roots, trunks or branches become intertwined and actually grow together like in the photo above.
But there’s more to appreciate about inosculation besides being something cool to look at. It’s a process that ultimately produces an unusually strong bond between two living things. That makes it incredibly similar to the way a living man becomes connected to his Living God!
Think about it.
This fusion process originates through occasional contact, and that contact progresses with growth. Botanists tell us that, eventually, the bark from each branch becomes worn away at the points of contact, exposing the cambium below.
The cambium is the sensitive part of woody plants—the only part able to successfully initiate and sustain any kind of modification to the growth or shape of that particular species of plant. It’s interesting also that this marvel of the natural world happens at a rate directly proportional to the amount of time these two exposed surfaces remain in contact with one another.
All this suggests to me that proximity is crucial to any kind of change that could be effective in the created order. But it also demonstrates that the consequences of close association are inevitable. In other words, through repeated contact, I can unwittingly become bound to people or situations which are irrelevant or hostile to my growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Just like us, trees need room to grow, and sometimes that requires creating a strong bond to facilitate that growth. But it rarely happens without some form of disruption or distress.
Trees don’t have emotions, of course, but their insides are just as fragile as ours are. On the other hand, they inherently grow toward the light.
Do you?
“For if we have come to be grown together in the likeness of his death, certainly, in that of his resurrection also, shall we be.” [Rom. 6:5] from the J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible [my emphasis] [σύμφυτος (sūm-foot-âs) adj., sharing in, united with, at one with]
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Posted: March 4, 2022 by cjournalme
Priceless $50 Words
Some unusual words are fascinating.
And, occasionally, I’m inclined to dig for a better understanding of one. Seeing photographs or images in real time usually get me going in that direction.
Here’s my latest one: Inosculation. From a botanical perspective, this is a natural occurring phenomenon by which tree roots, trunks or branches become intertwined and actually grow together like in the photo above.
But there’s more to appreciate about inosculation besides being something cool to look at. It’s a process that ultimately produces an unusually strong bond between two living things. That makes it incredibly similar to the way a living man becomes connected to his Living God!
Think about it.
This fusion process originates through occasional contact, and that contact progresses with growth. Botanists tell us that, eventually, the bark from each branch becomes worn away at the points of contact, exposing the cambium below.
The cambium is the sensitive part of woody plants—the only part able to successfully initiate and sustain any kind of modification to the growth or shape of that particular species of plant. It’s interesting also that this marvel of the natural world happens at a rate directly proportional to the amount of time these two exposed surfaces remain in contact with one another.
All this suggests to me that proximity is crucial to any kind of change that could be effective in the created order. But it also demonstrates that the consequences of close association are inevitable. In other words, through repeated contact, I can unwittingly become bound to people or situations which are irrelevant or hostile to my growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Just like us, trees need room to grow, and sometimes that requires creating a strong bond to facilitate that growth. But it rarely happens without some form of disruption or distress.
Trees don’t have emotions, of course, but their insides are just as fragile as ours are. On the other hand, they inherently grow toward the light.
Do you?
“For if we have come to be grown together in the likeness of his death, certainly, in that of his resurrection also, shall we be.” [Rom. 6:5] from the J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible [my emphasis] [σύμφυτος (sūm-foot-âs) adj., sharing in, united with, at one with]
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