SENTINEL WATCH November 29, 2004 Issue

Standing tall with the President

By Margaret Rogers

Like most people I know, I was a little on edge during the months of intense campaigning before the recent United States presidential election. But last month, an unanticipated meeting with the President helped calm my thoughts.

My husband and I had decided to spend a couple of days in California's Sequoia National Park, home of the awesome giant sequoia trees. Early one Tuesday morning, we took a walk in Giant Forest, the largest grove in the park. As we meandered along reverently, almost alone in the forest, we suddenly came upon the President. Not anyone you've seen on the front page lately, but a towering tree with a sign in front that simply said, "The President." We sat down on a bench nearby that was designed for leaning back and looking up.

Gazing at that still colossus was an experience I won't forget. It was like having an audience with the wisdom of the ages. That tree spoke of unswayable integrity and strength. These trees can grow to over 300 feet tall, weigh over 2 million pounds, and live more than 3,000 years. They've survived countless storms and fires, and thrive. They have a presence that made me feel like praying. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who has felt that way. While I saw initials carved into the wooden park benches, I didn't see any marks on those big trees, even though thousands of people walk right up and touch them year after year.