Friendly giants

I don't think I have snapped so many pictures of trees in my life. Or pointed, ooh'ed, aah'ed, and gawked in awe like a tourist so much, either. I couldn't help myself. The massive sequoias, situated amongst rolling hills, jagged mountaintops, lush valleys, and flowing rivers, make up some of the most spectacular sights I have ever beheld. The sheer size and age of these friendly giants command an unequivocal stillness that made us feel as if we were trespassing on their peace. I can't even fathom the changing world they've witnessed throughout the thousands of years they've lived.

Ambling through the giant sequoia forest was a fortuitous venture, really. A sweet couple that runs a nostalia-ridden bed & breakfast four hours away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles graciously offers two nights annually to seminary students, free of charge as a ministry to them and their wives. "I know what your lives are like," the owner said with a twinkle in her eye when we arrived at the inn, a pit stop for the evening before our NorCal destination the following day. "Your nose is always in a book," she said, nodding at the Mister. "And you're always working," she said, turning towards me. Our jaws dropped at her insight. Needless to say, my love and I were thoroughly blessed by Mauriene's hospitality at the Log House Lodge, where the lack of internet and cell phone reception, hearty home-spun breakfast, lush flora, and omniscient cedar scent contributed to a refreshingly relaxing stay, indeed. Best of all, the cozy inn was nestled in the foothills of the colossal sequoia forest that truly testified to nature's beauty, size, and diversity. We felt so very miniscule amongst the towering giants, which are nothing but a, like my love said, teeny basil plant to our incomprehensibly amazing creator God.