Maybe you and I are roots worth burying. Maybe that’s why life is so hard sometimes – because God is doing something in the dirt.
Roots are funny things, after all.
They just do their own little thing in their own little dark, damp, isolated hole in the ground without any regard for whether we perceive any change.
And honestly, we think we know all about it. We think we understand that it takes time. But oh, how we despise the time it takes when we ourselves are the roots!
For several weeks, I’ve been watching these repotted slime-root plants that my mom left in a mayonnaise jar on the windowsill. For weeks, I’ve been watering them, singing to them, praying for them, and urging them each morning to “grow into all you can be!” Sounds silly, I know, but my goal was to have faith like my Little Lady sower, whose own plants are still thriving.
I do confess, however, that last week found me somewhat discouraged. The snake plants and the ivies looked okay, but the spiders just didn’t look hopeful.
Husband, I said, I don’t think they’re going to make it.
Be patient, said he, they may need some time to establish themselves.
But husband, I said, I don’t think they’re going to make it.
Maybe not, said he, but give them more time.
If I ever change the title of my blog, it will be something like, “My Husband is Usually Right.”
Literally overnight, the spider plants doubled in size. And again. And today, I am delighted to report that they are more than ready for pot upgrades.
Friends, sometimes things are happening below the surface about which we know nothing. Sometimes life grows in the most unlikely places. Sometimes a little slime is good for the soul. Sometimes the best things grow in the dark spaces of our lives.
Let this be an encouragement to you.
If you’re in a dark space, keep going. Keep going. Keep striving. Keep stretching. Keep digging your roots down as deep as possible.
If someone you know is in a dark space, be not quick to presume you can understand what God is doing. Just love them. Just encourage them. Just pray for them and believe that God can and will grow their roots in this dark place.
Because He can.
He does.
He will.
From my heart to yours,
