I once got to take my University of California-Irvine campus ministry students to Yosemite National Park. We also ventured through King's Canyon, Sequoia National Park, and Mammoth Mountain. 

 

The back part of Yosemite on Highway 120 is very quiet and pristine. We stopped at a large rocky plateau for some simple hiking and time in the quiet wilderness. 

 

As I walked along the sturdy and rocky ground I was amazed to see that large trees were growing out of the huge rocks. I had never seen this before. 

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We typically think that giant trees and plants can only grow in soil; in fertile ground. How amazing and resilient are these trees that grow out of the rocky ground in tiny crevices where seeds can grow into roots. 

 

This is a powerful illustration for my journey in ministry. My experiences have revealed for me that the rockiest and most challenging parts of my journey are where God is working and out of the tiny crevices and cracks grow big and beautiful things.