THOSE LITTLE BUGGERS

A couple of weeks ago my wife and I went camping with friends. If you were anywhere near the upper Midwest at that time, you know it was very hot and humid, which doesn’t make for the best camping conditions, but we had planned this trip a while back and were excited to go.

We camped at Wild River State Park. The campsites were spacious and heavily wooded with large

trees that created a lush overhead canopy that shaded our tent, yet allowed for the strong breeze to weave its way through the timber.

One of the trees that helped shade out the sun

On a late morning hike, we encountered a large tree that strong winds had blown down.  It was broken right at the base of the trunk, which looked rotten, but on further investigation it was evident that a colony of insects had eaten away at the tree. I was amazed at how insects could tunnel their way through the hardwood. Our friend suggested the base of this tree was possibly damaged when it was young, which then allowed for the pests to move in. It must have taken many years, if not decades, for something that small to weaken that large of a tree and cause so much damage.

A close look at the base of the broken tree
Photo Credit: Shakyphotography.com

 Are the small things in life eating away at you?

James 3:4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, they are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.”