Spiritual Roots

 

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Early in my teaching career, I taught first grade, and never since have I taught a grade level with more hearts opened to learning. Blessed with an excellent mentor teacher with a love for science, we hatched butterflies, mealworms, and chicks. These experiences, while seemingly unrelated to spiritual growth, taught us the value of patience and trust in the process of life. We grew a vegetable garden, made soup from its bounty, and experienced unexpected excitement as droves of ladybugs intended for our garden were "accidentally" let loose in the classroom! We had an explosion of gerbils and saw the wonder of beautiful Monarchs migrating south one year. The experiences of that time were rich, purposeful, and fun. Those years' experiences helped students develop a love for learning and educational growth that reached far beyond the basics of facts and figures. 

Such was the case one spring with the sprouting of seeds. Students learned about the importance of a root system by germinating seeds. Conveniently, a wall in my classroom that had ceiling-to-floor windows that daily drew in a vast amount of light was the perfect place for students to start the process. Seeds lying on damp paper towels were placed in small plastic bags sealed and taped to the windows, and the process began. To their amazement, the seeds started to develop tiny roots within days. The eager learners transferred their seeds to small paper cups filled with soil and buried them deep within. Then came the watering and the hard part- waiting. 

It was interesting to observe as some students followed the instructions carefully by giving just enough water and leaving the plant alone to allow nature to do its work, while others lacked patience. When they did not see results quickly, they watered the plants more and more. Some even dug up the seed to investigate the hold-up and, unknowingly, put an end to its potential. This mirrors our own reactions to waiting on God's timing. Some of us are patient, trusting that God is at work even when we can't see it. Others, like the impatient students, try to take matters into their own hands, often to our own detriment. Finally, the day came when tiny shoots broke through the soil. Some students had tiny seedlings, while others had cups of slimy mud. Still, there was a lesson for everyone, including me. Some were rewarded for the fruit of their patience and trust that the seed was really up to something; others faced disappointment for their lack of patience and unwillingness to trust the process of nature, and I was reminded that we all need a root system to sustain us if we are to grow and thrive spiritually.

 The depth of our spiritual roots determines how we face life in times of joy and adversity. Our hearts are where God's truth can be planted, and the human heart is where God's truth, when planted and watered with prayer, takes root and brings enlightenment as to His direction for our lives. Will we take the time to cultivate His truth, by studying His word, seeking His guidance, and living according to His principles? Or will we impatiently disregard the value of planting, watering, and waiting on God's timing and direction by doing things our way, by relying on our own understanding and desires? Will we be tender shoots that spring up under his care, or will we wilt and stagnate, entirely missing his desired potential for us? We either embrace the potential that lies ahead, or we settle for the muddy cup. 

There's a lot to be said for those little plant potentials that first hung in my classroom windows, desperate to get the sunshine they needed, and then were buried in darkness to complete the Master's work. If God had such a specific design for the earth's plants, how much more are His plans for us?

In your spiritual journey, remember not to rush God's work in your life. Be like the seed, patiently waiting for His transformative touch. Bury your own will, resisting the urge to dig it up. Even in the darkness, trust in His ability to bring about change and transformation. Refrain from 'helping God out' and instead, surrender to His divine plan. Allow Him to cultivate and water you, revealing His purpose for your life in His perfect time. 

"It is in the roots, not the branches, that a tree's greatest strength lies."

Unknown