|
|
"WHEN I IN AWESOME WONDER…"
Michigan's Golden Coast
Splendid Grass
The lakeshore contains one of the most
inspiring environments that have been fashioned by the hand of our Creator.
In this ecosystem is a unique combination of creatures that reflect the
glory of our Lord. The child of God needs only to be on a dune bluff in
the midst of a storm to realize the awesome power of God in the wind and
the waves. On the other hand, he will be humbled in the realization of
the temporary and changeable nature of this world in the erosion of great
dunes and the building of them again.
One of the most fascinating plants created for this specific environment
is the lowly dunegrass. It too is an incredible example of the simple
beauty of our Lord's handiwork.
Think about it: pure white sand baking in the sun, erosion from wind and
wave. It is an environment so harsh most plants cannot start, much less
thrive, in this corner of the creation. However, the lowly dunegrass is
perfectly suited to fit into this niche of the creation.
Dunegrass has many different names: sawgrass, marram grass, american beach
grass. The seed is sterile so it spreads by reproducing through eyes (stolons)
that are part of the root system. These eyes are carried by the waves
to new territory when pieces break off in the spring and fall storms to
be washed up on the beach and buried again by sand. It is only in the
non-summer months that the plant is dormant (asleep) so that it can survive
the trip unharmed.
This plant can be buried by several feet of sand and still grow to the
surface. These buried roots help form a deep tangled mat that helps to
keep the dune from washing away into the lake. The other way dunegrass
controls erosion is through the toughness of its blades. These blades
stand tall until snow flattens them in the winter. They turn brown with
the frost. However, they do not rot away for many years. The result is
that a dense mat of this dead grass is formed on the surface of the sand
which keeps it from washing away in the rain or blowing away in the wind.
Interestingly enough, this plant grows next to both oceans, which are
saltwater, and next to all of the Great Lakes, which are fresh water,
it is unaffected by saltwater. It likes the northern latitudes. It rarely
grows below South Carolina. Therefore, dunegrass is the primary plant
that keeps sand from blowing around the country.
As tenacious and tough this plant is, why doesn't it take over all the
other plants? Its spread is limited naturally to the places where waves
can move it around. It loves the accretion and erosion of the lakeshore.
It does not like humus or competition. It disappears soon after other
plants get a chance to grow using the protection it provides. In fact,
that is why it is a transition plant preparing the land for woodland plants
like trees shrubs, flowers and ferns. Many insects and animals make their
home among the dunegrass plants as well.
Man has learned to use this gift of God by planting it for erosion control
on lakes and inland sand hills. This was done in great volume in the WPA
days of the Great Depression. Also, it is planted in home landscapes to
provide a no-maintenance yard.
If our Maker has so wondrously covered the barren sand dunes to bring
them to life, He can certainly take care of the hearts of His people.
He takes their dead hearts, dry and lifeless with sin and brings them
to life by covering them with His blood.
We see how our Creator has wisely given a special plant for a particular
place and situation. Just as the dunegrass plays a major part in the control
of erosion in all of the creation, each plant, each animal, each insect
is created to fill a special niche, a particular place that only it can
fill. In filling that roll, each creature reflects the God's glory in
a unique way. For this reason alone it is important to protect species
from complete destruction. Just as each creature has its special place,
God has given each saint a particular place in the body of Christ. Whatever
his color, size, abilities, sex or social status each reflects His glory
in a particular way. Also, He gives these individuals to the church to
serve in important and unique ways. Never may we look down on a fellow
saint. The least is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. May God give
us grace to appreciate His handiwork.
Death and Life
Our hearts by nature barren, dry, and dead
As dunes are blown by winds, unable to rest;
Are anguished and sad, filled with dread,
Unable to stand in the smallest test.
Our hearts by grace are pulsing with life,
Planted with His Spirit , hope do hold
Of victory in the midst of trial and strife,
In life's trials and storms able to be bold.
By: Deane Wassink
Our
hearts by grace are pulsing with life,
Planted with His Spirit, hope do hold
Of victory in the midst of trial and strife,
In life's trials and storms able to behold.
Deane Wassink
|
