This week as I walked the property with a client at a house
with 5 acres they are in process of buying, we came across this tree beside the
creek. One buyer commented to the other,
“How is that tree even still alive?” The
other responded, “It has roots.” I just
tucked that away and paused to see it.
Not just look at it. Of all the
tall straight hardwood trees that surrounded us, it did stand out. It is not really pretty. It does grab your
attention. It made me stop and have a
moment. A moment to think about roots,
about unpretty trees, about what makes it that way.
Instantly I thought of a verse—Psalm 1:3 He will be like a
tree firmly planted by streams of water…in whatever he does, he prospers.
Yes, this tree is firmly planted. It is a wonder it is still standing.
How often do we feel that away about our lives? I know I
sure do. We long for straightness. Tallness. Perfection. But yet we end up gnarled. Ugly. Crooked. Barely hanging on.
Except for our roots.
Roots are powerful. Roots feed us
from the inside out. Roots draw from
where we are planted and give us the nourishment we need to survive all of the
storms, seasons, winds and other natural forces around us. Roots make it ok to be gnarled. Ugly.
Crooked. Just barely hanging on.
We need to look at what are our roots. What feeds our soul. Yes, the Word of
God. The love of God. But what else?
Relationships.
Family. Friends.
Quiet reflection.
Enjoying nature. Doing things we that
bring us joy.
Love. Hope. Peace.
Laughing.
Loving. Living.
Life is too short to miss a moment. I was so glad for this one to take a moment
to reflect on roots and ugly trees beside a quiet stream.
