Here is what my oak trees have helped me understand. Conflict can make communities stronger. Tree roots may compete for water and nutrients, and sometimes branches will die, but even so, their chances of survival and of thriving increase tenfold when they’re together. It is the same with families, and it is the same in communities of faith.

“it is not time that heals us, but other people. Or, for Petunia and Spruce, other rabbits.” It turns out that rabbits knew something all along that God has been teaching us from the beginning: we are created for communion—with God, and with one another.