Deeper Roots

Daily Gratitude Year 5-Day 308: Today, I am grateful we can grow deeper roots.

"Storms make trees take deeper roots." -Dolly Parton

What a great quote. A simple sentence that reminds us that we can learn so much by observing nature. Nature's designer weaves in many lessons we can learn if we quiet our spirits, watch, listen and discover the truths in magnifies. 

When a storm is on the horizon... we still use the phrase "hunker down". It means to hide, hide out or take shelter. In nature, trees and other plants will attempt to respond to the conditions at hand in a manner that increases their chances at survival. In some cases, it requires deeper roots. 

Some trees are planted in sweet spots. 

"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 17:8

Others trees have to root themselves in a way they can face the drought and the storms. They don't complain... they just adjust and do what needs to be done. Yes, nature was designed to magnify the glory of the Lord. 

We are to root ourselves in Him. 

"He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf." -Proverbs 11:28

Drought comes. So does the cold, the wind and the life giving rains. We can't trust the weather or the weatherman... we have to be ready for whatever comes. We can trust that our God has provided our needs, but he expects us to grow deeper roots. 

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. -Colossians 2:6-7

It won't always be easy. It will always be worth it. 

Today, I am grateful we can grow deeper roots.