The Sugar Bush

It is a favourite annual event for me, when we head to the sugar bush to learn about the history and process of making maple syrup and then sample some of the good stuff. This past weekend I made the visit with a group from our church for one of our Worship with Creation events. I found myself reflecting on the process and being amazed at how God has orchestrated such an amazing biological process that would serve two integral and yet distinct purposes.
The trees undergo a biological process in the spring during which the warmer spring temperatures help the tree convert starch that was stored for the dormant winter period, into sucrose which is dissolved in water to make sap. A combination of below freezing temperatures at night (which causes water to be absorbed into the roots) and higher temperatures during the day (which causes pressure in the tree) make it so that the sugary sap flows. Interestingly there is a very short window of time when the sap is good to make maple sugar products, for when the buds finally develop the sap content changes. The tree has its own process that it needs to undergo in order to continue its cycle of life.
I find it amazing to think, however, that this process is also critical to the development of maple sugar products. We have come to think of maple syrup, or maple products as a treat. There was a time, however, when for First Nations peoples and for early pioneer settlers, these sugar products were integral sources of nutrients and energy helping many to avoid starvation and death in the harsh conditions. God saw it fit to lead humans to discover the the sap of these trees and to develop a process to boil it down and get the needed sugar.
God developed the trees and their life cycle and he did it in such a way as to provide humans with what would be an integral part of their diet. It is amazing to think of the detail, the intentionality and the care with which God created. As we look closely at all that God had created it always seems to lead to a sense of awe, wonder and worship.