Roots

If you are in Carolina today, I hope you are enjoying the incredible weather.

Walking through my yard this morning, I noticed two things: some of our beautiful plants have already sprouted fresh growth. One bush has grown by about 5 inches, and it's only April. We have two bushes, though, that don't look so good. The leaves are misshapen. They just look sick. I know if I dig into the soil, I'll find slugs feasting on those roots. There might even be some ants nibbling away too, enjoying the feast.

Years ago my son, Ben, pointed out that "slugs are like satan. They eat at your roots and you die." I see that happening to my two sickly plants.

However, plants, with healthy roots firmly set in the soil, grow. As a tree spreads its branches, the roots grow beneath the soil, strengthening the tree. The larger the tree, the deeper the roots. We see it. We know it. This is God, providing us with a beautiful illustration of His word:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Col. 2:6-7).

Accepting Jesus' gift of salvation, our faith is rooted in Him. As we continue to live in him, we grow stronger, "built up." Like the tree, whose roots spread far and wide. Also like the tree whose branches spill over with leaves, flowers and fruit, we spill over with hearts of thankfulness.

Today, you can find me on my screen porch. I'll be listening to the birds, smelling the fragrant flowers, and admiring the trees and bushes... Mostly, I'll be letting those gifts of God from nature remind me of the great gifts that come from Him: salvation, hope, forgiveness and love.