Roots

Enjoying my first full day of vacation at what I call my "happy place" - The Lake!  As I was floating on a raft, drifting further from the shore, the image above caught my attention.  This tree has been part of our lake landscape as long as I can remember.  It's age is recognizable when you look closely and see how thick and deep the roots are.  Over the last several years, I've noticed the roots becoming more and more visible, because the shoreline is being washed away by the constant movement of the water.  There the tree stands, leaning every so slightly toward the water, but never falling completely in.

I can't help but be reminded of how my life, is so similar to this beautiful tree. Floating along and contemplating this picture, God brought a couple of questions to my mind that He wanted me to answer.  First, where am I rooted?  I should be rooted first and foremost in Jesus, His Word and in His love. There is a verse that comes to mind, that I've had posted on a cabinet in my house for several months.  2 Corinthians 10:5 asks God "....to take captive our thoughts to make them His own..."  That is what we should be striving for - allowing our minds, thoughts, activities and life to be reflective of God - not of the world, not of what others think - WHAT GOD THINKS!  That is a sure way to continue to be "rooted" in Christ.

The other question that came to me was, "How strong are your roots?" I have to admit, I felt a pang of guilt because sometimes I forget to stand strong in those roots and allow them to be deepened and strengthened. In God's gentle yet direct way He helped me see that everything He brings my way, whether it be trials, sadness, happiness, joy - EVERY thing, whether it's the past or the present, is what He is using to strengthen me and keep me rooted in Him! Just like that tree over the years, enduring sunshine, rain, snow, flooding, the constant waves from the wake of many boats - it has withstood it all and it's all worked together to make it what it is today - a beautiful tree!

This tree from the top looking down, is lush, green and full of gorgeous leaves.  It's only when you get up close and look underneath all that beauty,  that you see the roots, damaged but still holding strong because long ago it's roots were planted in just the right place for it to grow.  My hope is that no matter what my past, present or future has,  I will understand each as roots in my life that have made me the woman I am today, strong and His loved, precious child. 

Praying for continued "rooting" by God, Praising Him for the strength to stay rooted each day and Pondering His plan for my future.