i got no roots

I started the last post with a quote saying that I am not a tree...which is true. I find it funny how often we (mainly talking to myself, here) refer to ourselves as trees. When we talk about wanting to settle down, we say we want to lay roots. When we talk about having intimate connections with one another, we say we are growing deeper. When we talk about taking a risk, we say we are going out on a limb. We see this when Moses gave his blessing of Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land without him.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." --Deut. 31:6

I don't know about you all but I think trees are some of the most interesting expressions of time. In the spring, they bloom fresh with new life. The green of the leaves are so bright, and the scent of fresh leaves and birds chipping, it brings new life to my soul. In the summer, the fullness of the branches, stable for climbing provide a haven from the sun, but dances in its glory in the light. The winter, though the leaves my be gone, the boughs collect with snow and ice making little sculptures for us to see, and shelter down below for others of God's creation. It is in the fall, though, where I see the most beauty. The leaves go from their typical vibrant green, to red, orange, yellow, purple, pink. They fall from branches like confetti and when you walk along paths surrounded by them, its like they are celebrating just for you. Ironically, this beauty that we witness is the tree is entering into a new phase, probably the most painful phase of loss, brokenness, shedding. But, the tree does not die fully, but transforms into a different way of living, until the next time of transition comes and it adapts, just like when Moses announces that he will not be crossing into the Promised Land with his people, but a new leader will be guiding them. Regardless of where we go, the Lord is with us.

Do you find yourself falling into the temptation of the mindset of death when you enter into change? How can you find a new way to see life when things seem bleak? What has Christ taught you during these times in your life?

See you all Monday,

Cheers!

Sam Jo.