New members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cannot make it alone. Broadhead, comp., A Collection of Inspirational Verse for Latter-day Saints, 69) I would like you to contemplate the first two verses of the song adapted from a meditation by John Donne: Without being connected to other family members and helpful neighbors, they would not survive. However, the interconnecting root systems are the secret of their strength and teach us a great lesson.įirst, let’s acknowledge that these magnificent giants simply could not make it alone. Most engineers would tell you this shallow root system still would be impossible to keep the redwoods intact and protected against strong winds and floods. This intertwining of roots creates a webbing effect. As these roots extend out, they intertwine with their brother and sister redwoods and other trees as well. Their roots only go down three to six feet but can spread out several hundred feet. Even though they grow up to heights of 300 feet and can weigh more than one million pounds, these trees have a very shallow root system. However, there is another feature of these towering giants that is truly remarkable and somewhat unknown to most of us. They reign over associated trees because of their overwhelming height and majestic beauty. The coastal redwoods are truly lords of their realm and a most exquisite creation of our Father in Heaven. “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments” ( D&C 59:18–21). “And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion. “Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. “Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart The gigantic redwoods dwarf their other softwood and hardwood neighbors, thus becoming “the Mount Everest of all living things.” That is taller than a football field and about one-third again as tall as the Salt Lake Temple. The tallest redwood tree ever recorded was 367 feet in height. These trees sometimes live to be over 2,000 years old and can reach heights of 300 feet and more. A walk through a virgin old-growth redwood forest can be one of the most awe-inspiring experiences you’ll ever have. The north coast of California is home to the world’s tallest trees. I’d like to change geographic locations now and talk to you about another beautiful place. As I began preparing my talk, I pondered the thought that this is the first time I have been asked to speak in the Tabernacle-and that it would also be my last! But it is good to be here with you on this historic occasion in this historic building. Brothers and sisters, it’s so good to be here with you this afternoon.
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