Roots

The Tree

It starts with a seed, planted deep underground.
It reaches for light, where it’s strength can be found.

Its strength can be seen in the height of its limbs,
but the true source of strength can be found from within…

the soil, the tending, where roots will then grow.
The measure of strength found only below.

For, with strength in its roots, the tree finds it height;
the reaching, the striving for nourishing light.

For it is not what is seen, but the unseen, you see,
that gives strength to the limbs and height to the tree.

For, when shallow the roots, the tree will then wither.
It will not be sustained in the wind or the weather.

The roots must be strong for the tree to maintain
the height of its trunk, the pressure of rain.

Once it reaches the heights, it will put on its fruit;
the sweet, and the flavorful, where life will ensue.

The fruit will then drop, when it’s ready and ripe,
to be used or abused, when the harvesters strike.

So, the tree must let go of the fruit and its purpose,
to be used by the Maker, His meaning will surface.

For only when roots are found strong in the Way,
will the tree find its meaning, its purpose will stay.

                                                                                    Stephanie Greenwald, 2017

Have you spent time on your “roots” today? Have you spent time reading God’s written word to you? When we spend time studying God’s written word and allowing His Holy Spirit to guide us, we are strengthening the roots of our lives. When our roots are strong, the direct result is a strengthened relationship with Christ; which results in bearing fruit that will make a difference in the world. When you spend time studying God’s word, listening for His voice as His Holy Spirit directs you, you are spending time on the “unseen” roots of your lives. Don’t neglect your roots. Spend time each day allowing God to nourish you by filling you with His word and allowing Him to strengthen your roots.

Stephanie Greenwald, Director of Worship