Fabulous fungi

Mushrooms are a reminder that growth sometimes happens in the shadows.

Unknown

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

One of the many things that I love about the coastal redwood forest is the incredible variety of mushrooms and other fungi.  The bright colors and unusual shapes as well as various sizes are fun to discover on the forest floor, on fallen logs, and sometimes even in trees. After the first fall rain and right through the winter, you never know what unique fungi will be found.  It amazes me that all these distinctive forms are at their best not in the spring and summer season of flowers and much sunlight, but in the rainy season of shadows and shorter days. They are often found in places of deep shade.

When I look back at my life, I can see how most of the darker shadow times in my life have been times when I grew phenomenally in faith. Times of deep loss or great challenges; places where the days seemed dark and overwhelming. These very conditions were often the ones that caused me to pursue the Presence of God more deeply…to seek the boundless and faithful love, comfort, and wisdom in His Word and Spirit. It’s those difficult times when my faith grew and sometimes fruited beautifully in those shadow seasons. 

Are you walking through a shadow season of your life? God can bring beauty and wonder out of even the darkest times if you draw close to His love and comfort.