Oh Berkeley

So, I think I've had my most Berkeley moment yet today. Let me back up briefly though. . .yesterday was an awesome day! The Ghiradelli Festival in the city was so fun - and tasty! The weather was beyond gorgeous. . .not loosing the tan quite yet! Marlene came into town after church (which was awesome!) today. We grabbed lunch and ate it on campus - it's so beautiful! Afterwards we decided to go see how the tree-sitters were doing - this is where the Berkeley moment comes in. We had both heard about them but had never seen them with our own eyes. Definitely a sight to see, a sad sight if you ask me. Currently most of the controversial trees have been cut down, except for one. There are still 4 people up there (day and night) although supposedly this tree is coming down tomorrow and then hopefully the whole ordeal will be over, at least for a while. Marlene and I got into a conversation with one of the tree-sitter supporters on the ground (there are many). Frustrating conversation - he did a lot of talking, we listened respectfully and then when we wanted to say something he didn't let us. I did eventually say that though this is of some significance I would rather stand (or sit, for that matter) for something of ETERNAL significance. Because he wasn't in the listening mood this didn't get much of a response but it really got me thinking. How sad that these people can be so passionate about a tree that they will devote 2 years of their life trying to save the tree (even though it costs the university over $30,000 a DAY because of their choice - seems like that money could be used to help the environment in much more beneficial ways. . .). To think of their potential - if they knew the Lord and were passionate about Him so much could be accomplished for His glory. I want to invest my life (time, talents, treasures) in things of eternal significance. . .and though there are times where I am not on track (we need the Gospel moment by moment, even. . .and perhaps especially, as believers!) I pray that the Lord will always remind me of His command to store up treasure in Heaven, where moth and rust cannot destroy. How will we live with purpose for eternal things this week? I know the Lord will give us many opportunities to seek first the Kingdom of God. . .let's focus on that and do so for His glory alone!

I'm such a tourist. :) This picture gives you a good idea of how high the tree-sitters are perched. Look at the top right (slightly center) corner - you'll see the bottom part of their setup.

And here's the top of the tree - sometimes they go up to the very tip-top to prove their point, other times they hang out on the other platforms they've made.