There are three major types of rock igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous, the first type, is volcanic and dynamic. Born of fire,it moves quickly and aggressively, letting nothing stand in its way until it is suddenly frozen in its path. Its nature is violent and, although it leaves a physical monument, its active life is short.
Sedimentary rock is passive, relying on water and wind to carry it to its birthplace. It does not wrestle with the rock structures around it, but merely adapts to fit, seeking the path of least resistance. It is cemented, compressed, and slowly shaped by nature into colorful and intriguing pattems, simple and yet complex.
Metamorphic rock is forged in conflict. Terrible inexorable pressures fueled by heat and turmoil in the earth's mantle shape all three rock types into this new form...stronger, harder, and more brilliant than before. It is in this rock that crystals are found.
Formed from clay, humans reIlect this three-fold nature as well. Most of us travel through each of these stages in a lifetime, often more than once. As Christians, it might appear that we are called to resemble sedimentary rock more than the other two . The peace and tolerance that it suggests have strong Christian parallels.
But Christianity is a way of life born in conllict. It thrived despite, or perhaps because of, centuries of persecution. People whose personal lives are in turmoil and confusion are more likely to fervently embrace it than people whose l~ves ~re serene and static. Christianitv ~ives its followers a strength to deal with tremendous pressures and problems. And ultimately, it leads them to a metamorphosis that is both beautiful and durable.
Christianity does not try to discourage conflict - far from it. It teaches us how to react to it. We are called to love and respect others even if they line up against us. It does not ask us to passively accept cruelty, bigotry, or selfishness. Rather, it teaches us to resist evil with steady peaceful protest - not in a violent volcanic spasm. but with the slow inexorable pressure that God has taught us...and nature rellects.
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This nature mediation is an example of a gift and teaching of the Earth and the Holy Spirit. and is a type of Nature Wisdom. Readers are invited to share ttheir insights, inspiriations, and gifts with others in these pages.