The other day, my hubby and I went for a little walk in the woods. We followed winding footpaths on a beautiful sunny morning. Most impressive were the live oaks with wide canopies of sprawling branches – all draped in Spanish moss. Their broad solid trunks evidenced centuries of growth.   The enduring life in these live oaks amazes me. They may lean with age. They may be damaged by storms and fall toward the earth, but they are not ruined! New growth shoots outwards and upward; new branches and trunks wind up through the gnarly remains of the old.

I couldn’t help but wonder how this long-lasting growth is possible. Only one thought came to mind – they are well rooted. The roots of a live oak are interesting. As a young tree a strong tap root is dominant. In time, a network of lateral roots branches out about three feet below the ground surface, extending even beyond the expanse of the canopy overhead. These prolific lateral roots support the tree and absorb the water and nutrients needed for growth.

There’s a strong parallel here to our journey through life as Christians. We need roots! We need roots to support us. Our loving Lord roots us firmly, and He provides a wide expanse of resources to nourish us and enable us to grow: His Holy Word, a church home with pastors and teachers, families that lead by example, friends who encourage us. Sometimes we’re inspired by music, books, sacred art, majestic cathedrals or the awesome creation of the mountains and the seas around us. Each opens our eyes to our Lord’s goodness and love. There are so many opportunities to be nurtured in our life as Christian; so many “lateral roots”, if you will, to nourish us.

Yes, we will face storms along our journey, storms that may damage us and change our direction. Yes, just like the tree, we may lean with age. We may be knocked down. But, with roots firmly planted in our Lord, we will not be destroyed. We will be able to continue our growth as Christians, perhaps in a different direction or with a new purpose.

As long as God gives you breath, your life of Christian love can continue to grow. Repeatedly you can spring up again in whatever direction God allows for you. God will not desert you.

Read James 1:2-4 for encouragement when the journey is difficult, and remember: God loves YOU unconditioanlly!

Judy

Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201:2-4