Observing nature can be breathtaking. Taking in all of its natural beauty, while trying to comprehend and understand just how all of its glory unfolds can be time well spent. It might be a bit frustrating to figure out, but one thing I do know—it can’t be duplicated by mankind no matter how hard we may try.
The rain falls and waters the earth without any influence from us. On a cold and wintery day, as the snowflakes fall and cover everything, the only thing left to do is take in its beauty and maybe shovel it off the walkway. As beautiful as the snow falling can be, if we’re not careful and alert as it infiltrates our day or planned activities—under the right circumstance it can also wreak great havoc and cause a lot of damage.
In my observation, I noticed that most vegetation needs sunlight and water in order to flourish and continue to grow. But that’s not all it needs. To maintain a healthy life and keep its position, it must also have strong roots. The roots bring nourishment from the ground to feed it and when a storm comes, the roots will help keep them in place. From a physical standpoint, the stronger or deeper the roots are, the better. They’re able to prevent the vegetation from being tossed around or damaged. That’s a good thing and an outcome that one would desire. However, can these same roots damage one’s ability to live or have a healthy outlook on life.
As we look out into the world and see the things God created—I believe for the most part He purposed and planned things to function as they do. But as human beings—we have to ensure we are rooted and grounded in the things that help us flourish and not stunt our growth. Having strong roots planted and grounded in bad attitudes, evil deeds, prejudice opinions and views, hateful desires that grow so deep, can actually choke the life out of us instead of causing us to flourish into healthy living beings. It’s not good to be rooted and grounded, unable to move forward in the way or the things God has prepared for us simply because we are so stuck in our own ways and opinions and refuse to move.
I challenge you today to take inventory of where your roots reside, and if they are grounded in the wrong stuff “Shake Yourself Loose” from their grip and clutch on you. Make the extra effort to free yourself from that negativity in your life—beginning at the roots. Staying rooted and grounded is a good thing—if we’re grounded in the right ground that promotes a healthy and happy life. (Read Matthew 13:18-23)
