Mycorrhizae are fungi. What is truly amazing is that these fungi help trees to grow healthy and strong. Think of mycorrhizae as tiny fibers that actually grow into the roots of trees. The tree roots and fungi become one. These fungi act as special assistants that creep into the soil particles and help the roots of the trees to absorb more water and nutrients.
On the other hand, fungi cannot make their own protein, but since the leaves of the trees are making sugars from photosynthesis, the sugars travel throughout the tree to its roots and the fungi get their protein. The fungus receives carbohydrates and vitamins from the tree and they reciprocate by breaking down the proteins in organic material that can be absorbed and utilized by the trees. The network of mycorrhizae in the soil vastly increases the potential surface area for absorption over and above the root’s own root hairs, so mycorrhizae are important in poor soils where mineral nutrients are hard to come by. So this Spring as you are planning to plant any trees into your garden, you can improve the health and growth of your plants by adding some mycorrhizae.
Our souls and personality are greatly enriched when we are connected to people that act like mycorrhizae who help us to grow in God’s love. Staying connected helps our spiritual roots to grow healthier and stronger. So who are the people in your life that help you spiritual roots grow in patience, generosity and forgiveness?
Staying connected to our older family members help us to appreciate our ancestral roots whose faith helped build our churches and schools in the past. Staying connected to family members who have endured great pain and struggles teach us to trust in God and persevere despite the crosses of life.
Our spiritual roots grow stronger if we stay connected with a faith community that worships and rallies together to reach out to families to bring hope and comfort to those who have lost their homes in foreclosure, lost a child to suicide or lost their faith because they no longer feel accepted by a faith community.
Staying connected to our spiritual mentors who teach us from our pulpits or monasteries a message of Jesus’ love that penetrates our stubborn hearts and helps our roots of faith renew themselves with the spirit of God’s love and forgiveness.I am grateful to my social mentors who have enriched my life by sharing their gifts and talents with this apprentice priest. To my master floral designer, Michael; to my first photography teacher, Owen; to my fellow photo enthusiasts, Brandon, Glen and John, to my photo marketing team Ed, Bill, Lara, Lisa; to my horse trainers Judy in Vermont, Heather, Alto and to my bread baker, Chet.
The secret of a healthy spiritual garden is obvious, stay connected to people in our life who teach us how to pray humbly, walk joyfully and work diligently to bring God’s mercy and peace. Our roots will be energized and grow stronger this Lenten Season.Immanuel watches over us as we reflect: "They will be like a tree planted by the water that spends out roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8).
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that you help us remember with gratitude the family, friends and neighbors who have helped our spiritual roots to grow healthy and strong. May we never take their gifts for granted. Bless them for their generosity, wisdom and support during our most difficult moments and many thanks for being present in our desperate hour.
