Have your roots and foundation in love!

I had a lovely trip to Wakehurst Place a couple of years back with some of my sisters and just had to take a picture of this tree. It's amazing isn't it? Doing it's level best to nurture itself and to survive. What you can't see in the photo was that on the rock was a tiny crevice filled with a bit of dirt and water. And that was proving just enough to let the tree grow just so far. But I can imagine that it will only reach and grow so far before it becomes too heavy for its delicate little roots and falls off.

On the other hand in Christchurch Park in Ipswich I saw this fine specimen of a tree. Look how wonderful the roots are in comparison. This tree has been here for years and is likely to be around for quite a few years more.

It struck me that this is a bit like what happens to us in life. Now of course about some things we don't have a choice they are decided for us by circumstances and other forces like our parents. But it doesn't do to hold them responsible for everything does it? Therefore the big question is do we take the time, and I suppose trouble, to nurture our own lives? And is what we do really nurturing? I know that is a wide reaching question and that as we are composed of body, soul and spirit it might set our minds running in different directions. But let's forget about the body for the moment and think about our spirit. I am convinced that what has really nurtured me in my life is the love that I have received from people. Some of it totally undeserved. But to be loved and to love is a refreshing experience. It lifts us and renews us. Whereas if we choose something death giving like sin or drugs the opposite of nurture takes place. And we can become like the tree in the first picture ready to drop of our perch!

Now God loved us first! This lovely passage from St Paul's letter to the Ephesians reminds us that the true source for nourishment in our lives is the love that comes from God.

"I ask God from the wealth of his glory to give you power through his Spirit to be strong in your inner selves, and I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you, together with all God's people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep,is Christ's love."

Dear Father God, I pray that each of us may come to know you a bit better and be able to respond to the love that you have for us, invade our lives with your gentle life giving Holy Spirit blessing us and renewing us, please make us like a well watered garden - growing in your love daily. Amen