Roots growing deep

Winter and I have never been friends. But I have come to realize that without Winter the roots couldn’t reach deep into the soil to gain nourishment and to push forth those early Spring buds. I recently tried my hand at planting some curly willow from a cutting. When I saw the buds bursting forth it gave me such a thrill! And I pondered this…when we allow God to work in us and our roots are in Him, do you think He thrills when we burst forth new life from what He has sown in us? I like to think that He does.

My life seems to have been going through a very long winter season of late. And truthfully? I have been complaining about it….a LOT! Now I’m pretty sure that my complaints are not at all the right nourishment for my soul, and I know too that nothing good will grow from those groans. So today, I decided to look to my Source and ask forgiveness. Faithful as He always is, God has provided exactly the encouragement I have needed today. I am beyond words. So humbled. So thankful. So blessed.

On the outside I often look like this old tin….rusty, bent out of shape a bit and worn out. And then…..sprouts of life burst out of that old worn out vessel and offer hope for the days ahead. Thank you, Father.

As the sun streamed in the upstairs window of the shop this morning, I felt a renewal in my spirit. And again, I breathe out my thanksgiving to the One Who always hears our cries and meets our every need. You hear that? Our every need.

Rusty? Yes. But look again….life springing out of the old. Turn your gaze outdoors a moment. Lift your eyes off the screen. Go ahead. I’ll wait for you. What do you see? Anything springing forth new life today? It’s there if you look for it. God will use the old, rusty, worn out and fatigued and skillfully bring forth a beauty you might not realize you possessed. Let Him do His creative work in you. I’m giving in to Him as well today. Why? Because I personally know His faithfulness. Even working against my stubborn and occasionally hard heart.