Roots

Growing up in West Texas as a child, I remember that there was an initiative sometime in the late 80’s that we all supported in my community. We were encouraged to work together to save the trees on our planet. Because of the demand for trees, forests were disappearing from our world at a rapid pace.  As a child, I took this initiative to heart.  Living in West Texas, this was an easy cause to join because there are not many trees in West Texas.  Besides the annoying and invasive mesquite trees, the lack of trees proved the science behind the initiative from my childhood perspective.

Now living in North West Louisiana, I wonder if this initiative was received in the same way by children living here in the 80’s.  There seems to be plenty of trees! An abundance of trees reaching up to the heavens for many, many miles. 

Trees are a perfect analogy for our spiritual lives.  When we think about trees, we tend to focus on what we can see above the surface of the trees.  We notice the leaves, trunks, colors, and types of the trees. What we may overlook is what is below the surface of the trees. Each and every tree has an equal-to or greater-than root system that supports and nourishes the tree. Some root systems, like the Redwoods, connect with other trees around them to form a community or tribe of trees. They share life together.  Just like trees need a root system to live, we too need a system that supports us.

Going from place to place around our city, we tend to focus on what we see above the surface of our lives. We notice hairstyles, clothes, smiles, or attitudes. We often overlook what is going on below the surface of our lives and the lives of the people we meet. What we cannot see is a range of valid feelings that may include being sad, glad, mad, fearful and joyful.

Max Lucado wrote a beautiful book years ago called, Come Thirsty. In the book, he makes the argument that just as our bodies need to stay hydrated to live well, our spiritual lives also need to stay well hydrated. And just as our bodies show signs of de-hydration like fatigue or headaches, our spiritual lives show signs of de-hydration as well. Some examples are impatience, selfish-ness, or general negativity about life.

Each of us has access to a spiritual life that can support and nourish us every day.  The roots of our spiritual lives need attention to grow so that we can withstand the storms of our lives when they appear and support the community around us when there is a need. We are created as unique individuals and we live in a community with others.

There are many ways to practice a spiritual life to deepen our spiritual roots.  They are as numerous and unique as our neighbors around us. Some may enjoy cooking as a spiritual practice and others may enjoy fishing.  Some may enjoy prayer and some may enjoy worship songs. Some may enjoy mailing cards of encouragement in the mail and others may enjoy coffee dates with meaningful conversations.

This week, make a list of all the ways that you enjoy deepening your spiritual roots. They need to be tended to each day just like it is good to brush your teeth each day.  Be sure and put a few spiritual practice options in your pockets when you start your days so they will be there when you need them.

Although we may not be able to see below the surface of the lives around us, we can certainly see signs of new growth and spiritual peace when we see it.  We celebrate those moments because we know you have been at work loosening up the soil around your soul.

Join us every Thursday as we explore practices that connect us with our Creator God. God’s greatest desire is to BE with us. Spiritual practices keep us in the flow of the Holy Spirit and God’s presence. We are thrilled you are here and @Practice with us. This simple moment can be a retreat from daily life and a space for you to BE with God in your every day activities.

Meredith and Steven Bell share many things in common and share many differences. They met 24 years ago in Dallas, Texas while studying theology. With each having a science degree already, they both decided a theology degree was the next right step. For the past 24 years, they have served communities in ministry together in a number of different ways. The relationships they have built along the way with friends, colleagues and churches is a blessing to their lives. The biggest blessing is being parents to two amazing young women. From diapers to driver’s licenses, they have parented, laughed, sacrificed, loved, prayed, cried, and grown together. Their differences simply make life interesting. Growing up in different states, listening to different music, enjoying different hobbies and just seeing the world around them differently keeps conversations lively! You can find Steven at First Methodist Church of Shreveport most days unless he is looking for waterfowl with his dog, Sam. You can find Meredith writing grants for non-profits and coaching people in ministry. More than anything, you can find the Bells living grateful lives. We are grateful to live in Shreveport and even more grateful to join with others to spread hope, love, and faith in the community!