As I sit looking out at the huge leafless oak tree by my window, I’m reminded of the importance of growing deep roots and having quiet time.
Winter seems to give the tree a chance to rest so that new growth and beauty can come forth in spring.
We need deep roots in God to withstand the cold and winter in our lives, whatever that may be, sadness, ill health, loneliness, career problems.
When we feel like the cold and bitter wind blows around us, our roots help us be grounded even though our feelings and thoughts may be scattered.
At those times, we need to find quiet time to reflect on what is really happening in our lives. We need to look deeper as to how God is holding us in the ground, keeping us from toppling over.
Because there are no leaves yet, the sunlight can brighten the ground beneath the branches. When we feel leafless or empty, we are more willing reach within to our souls searching for the Sacred Light.
Since we understand what it’s like to feel empty or leafless, we may be led to others to provide compassion and hope.
Others can get spiritual strength from our groundedness, even if we meet them briefly.
Perhaps because we feel more open to just being quietly in God’s presence, we can be a source of groundedness for others searching for a spiritual center.
As I deepen my own center and become more grounded in God, I can live out better the scripture verse,
“In quiet and confidence shall be my strength” Isaiah 30:15
Thus I know that new growth will come from the deepening that comes from quiet and confidence in God, like the waiting for new leaves to slowly come forth from the oak tree in spring.
