Roots

As I walked along the path, these roots caught my eyes. I’m a seasoned woman. Ok, so I’m old …. likely, older than you! But I prefer "seasoned". My own roots could look like these, twisted, bent, winding in and around other roots, growing on top of the hard surfaces.

As I took some pictures, I thought about my own roots. The events, the people, the words spoken to me, over me, a lifetime of things that made me-ME! They've all been part of who I am. The person that I came to be. Although, sometimes I wish things didn't hurt so bad, or that the lessons could have been learned with a little less pain.

In Psalms 139, God takes me from my “unformed substance”, into his Book, which holds all the days that were formed for me. God's covering over me, settling me in the Savior's arms. In this chapter, the Psalmist recognizes how intimately our Father knows us. How deeply He loves us.

Let’s go back to these gnarled, twisted roots. Some are raw, bare, exposed to the elements, appearing dead. Some seem to stretch away from the tree, as if distance can mend the root and give it life! The trees lean towards the water, as if hoping for the life that the living streams offer.

Jesus says these words in Matthew 11:28-30; “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light.”

Isn’t that like Jesus, to invite us into His space? Just as we are! No need to have it all together. We can be messy! We can have issues. We can bare our roots, those deep hurts, the lies, the circumstances that have caused us pain.

Friend, take a moment to consider your roots. Are they twisted, too? Have they become stuck on the rocks, and freedom from their pain seems far off? Are you leaning towards to river of life, as if every bit of you depends upon the water that flows beside you? 

If you see yourself in these words, lean into the One who invites you to walk with Him. I can promise you, He will never leave you.  I’m confident because He has never deserted me.  He is always, only faithful to His children.

Invite Him in. Allow Him to pick up the broken pieces and make a beautiful picture of your life! He loves you! You are precious in His sight. Dearly loved. Beloved child of God.

Dear Jesus, I’m asking for your Presence to invade the lives of my dear friends. May you reveal to each one just how much you love them. Dry their tears and hold them in your arms. 

Thank you that I can confidently share about you because I have tasted and seen that you are good! In your precious name, we pray. Amen.