When Roots Grow Deeper

Growing Through Seasons of Waiting

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Psalm 27:14 (ESV)

A tree can appear unchanged above the ground while, underneath, its roots are stretching and digging deeper, growing stronger in preparation for future storms.

In this season of waiting, while the world keeps turning, I find myself having to put more effort into keeping up with ordinary things. Sometimes, I feel like I’m caught up and ahead; other times, I’m a day behind. It’s written on the walls of my mind how quickly things can unravel, so most days I try to stay on top of daily habits.

I swear, in going throughout my day, I try to be mindful of my actions and hold an appreciative attitude towards God instead of being ungrateful and intolerant. But sometimes, my complaining and arrogance rule the moment. In my prayers, I have been asking God to be louder in my ears. His voice is what I want to hear. My voice is riddled with procrastination, impressed by misperceptions; it can’t be trusted. God’s Word can be trusted.

God’s Word is Scripture; Jesus is THE Word of God – Alive!

I want every habit of mine to begin with communion with God.

From what little I understand about the Day of Judgment, I want to hear, “Well done!”

In honoring my Father, I feel that I need an attitude check. I’m working on how I approach prayer and on being mindful of the abundance of goodness in my life. In my family’s lives. To see the good in everything that I am a part of, and that is a part of me. As scripture says, God will work it for His glory and according to His will.

That is the hope and faith by which I strive to live.

My Roots are Growing.

Suddenly, when the laundry baskets that were empty yesterday are now overflowing, and I’m asking myself, “Why are teenagers so finicky?”, as I’m picking up clothes that I just literally washed. I remember. My children are healthy. They are home, safe, and have plenty of clothes. God allows me to do this mom thing, with and for them.

Thank You, Father.

When the last straw is, “Are both sinks somehow full again?”

My family has food; they even have extra food.

I feel like those thoughts should be instinct, second nature. But, I do have those days where I self-loathe and refuse to be consoled, too.

Now, my least favorite reminder, my oil needs to be changed again! I loathe getting my oil changed. I swear they ask too many questions. I’m nervous I’ll look like an idiot, and yes, I’ve revved the engine instead of pressing the brake to check the brake lights before.

But I have a car that’s paid off. It runs well, and it looks good. It is a blessing in and of itself.

Mindful - Thankful - In Progress 

Every day, as I remember to be thankful for where I am in life, as it's closer to where I've asked God to take me, I am in awe of God’s love for me and His grace.

I want to look and sound as much like Jesus as I can.

I remind myself that being busy is a gift. I've asked God to trust me with more, and so, here is more. In praying for growth, I assumed it would look like movement. I’m moving, but I’m also staying still. The phrase “Hamster Wheel” has been lingering in my thoughts, lately.

So, there’s that.   

I have to wonder: Is my faith truly rooted in God's goodness?

Am I as trusting of God as I think I am?

"On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."

My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less – Edward Mote

In my self-talk sessions, I remind myself that If I claim to trust God, anxiety and my impatient ways cannot serve me for this purpose in my life. I must change, and it must be a change that is root deep. Pruning the root is sometimes necessary for growth.

I Really Am Learning and Growing in Faith!

I've been in a season that has felt stagnant.

At times, I feel like I’m being told to stand still but do things. It's easy for me to say I trust God when prayers are being answered quickly. It gets hard when years pass and the answer is still "not yet," while I'm the one asking, "Are we there yet?"

For the past three years, my husband and I have felt like we have been in limbo, searching for land and a home that fits within our budget. The house we currently live in is smaller than our last; we feel slightly cramped, and our children are still attending school in the other district. When we moved here, we believed it would be temporary.

Naturally, my husband and I have been feeling a little stir-crazy. We long to pour our energy, time, and memories into a forever home. Our kiddos are getting older. They have roots that we need to be sensitive to.  We have been diligently searching listings, praying, fasting, and asking God to provide the right place.

I’m waiting; I trust in His timing, of course.

Pretty recently, I got to see some growth in action. A rush of panic came over me as I thought about the approaching school year and the many unknowns still to be decided. Instead of spiraling into worry, I quietly rebuked those thoughts and kept moving forward without dwelling on them.

Seems simple, but it was an actionable gesture of trusting God. I was so pleased.

I thought, "Thank You, God. I see You. I trust You." I realized my mind was quick to reject the negativity. My spiritual hedges of protection were up. God has been watering me.

The Roots Are Growing Deeper

Growing pains are real, and spiritual growing pains are real too. So, my family and I will wait, and while we wait, we’re learning how to praise God, hear His voice, and give without holding back.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.

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 17:7&8 (ESV)

Maybe, what God has been doing all along, while I've been praying for movement, He has been cultivating our roots. While I've been watching for doors to open, He has been teaching me how to stand firm in trust. The waiting has not and will not be wasted.

Beneath the surface, the roots are growing deeper.