Skip to main content

Roots

             It was majestic in beauty, with its spreading boughs, for its roots went down to abundant waters. (Ezekiel 31:7)

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Last night, I happened to find an article about winter resting. I’ve only just begun to read it because I want to move very slowly through it and contemplate it rather than just read it. I’ve considered the idea of living seasonally before but something the first bit of the article said is striking a major chord: During the winter, plants store their energy in their roots. I’m not sure that’s scientifically correct, but my heart is saying, “Oo, that’s good.”

So, Root:

the part of a plant which attaches it to the ground or to a support, typically underground, conveying water and nourishment to the rest of the plant via numerous branches and fibers:

the basic cause, source, or origin of something

From the verb form comes the idea: establish deeply and firmly.

This morning, I have more questions than answers about roots. There are some obvious connections – putting energy into the things that make you what you are, nourishing you, and holding you in place. What those are for each person may be different. Several ideas come to mind: working on the various parts of the person as described by Dallas Willard: spirit (heart/will), mind (thoughts/feelings), body, social relationships, and soul. Another possibility involves storing energy in things that feed our lives: our jobs/careers, our homes, our families, education. I’m already in the house that is my root and trying to get back to basics. It wouldn’t be the first time I returned to something that provided stability, so it could involve returning to my roots. And since the energy stored in the roots is not simply put in storage – it is put in storage for use in the spring, it could involve education, investing, or other preparatory activities.

This is all brainstorming, and I invite you to brainstorm with me on this first day of winter. What are roots to you? How might you store energy in them?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"Especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal 6:10)   “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.   By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)           Joshua grinned when he saw Rex standing by the door, studying something on the ground. "Hey, man! Are we ready to do this thing?"          Rex looked up. "Josh, I can't do it. We're still best buds, but I can't stand your fiancée."           I've met "Rex" many times. I've been Rex. Joshua (Jesus) loves the Church. He's not a fool. He knows the Church is far from perfect, but she is His chosen bride. The Rexes of this world, who think themselves His friend, turn away from her. "You don't need the Church to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ssssssubmmissssssionnn

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ . (Ephesians 5:21)             "Ssssssubmmisssssssionnn." Can't you just hear the serpent hissing this most horrible of words? If you listen to the serpent or the world, submission means groveling, allowing yourself to be abused, denying yourself your own humanity. Nothing could be worse than submission, could it?             Submission has never been a problem for me, as long as things are going the way I want them to. The rest of the time? Well, let's just say that while I don't know how to fight physically, I don't know how to not fight mentally. One of the fights I've been having with myself for years is about submission.             My first breakthrough took place on a trip to a bookstore. As I walked into the store, my thoughts were very clear. 1) I was goi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Shark Fins, Triple Dog Dares, Heroes, Villains and Sidekicks

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)            There's a scene in Jaws in which someone sees a shark fin and starts a panic. As   all the swimmers scramble to shore, boats surround the fin, which falls over to reveal two kids. With several guns pointed at them, one of the kids points at the other. The message is clear: it was his idea. In Christmas Story, there's a scene in which one kid "triple dog dares" another to do something stupid. Since it's a triple dog dare, well, what choice does the boy have? There doesn't seem to be any end to the trouble that peer pressure can cause. ...
Post a Comment
Read more