Being Rooted

While waiting for the computer to boot up this morning, I picked up this little devotional booklet off the shelf next to the computer.  God's Little Lessons on Life by Honor Books was given to me as a Christmas gift.  I will pick this up and am always pretty happy with the words I find there.  This morning was a loneliness focus and featured one of my favorite passages from Romans 8:35-39.  I love the way the cadence of that passage reads and just drives the point home about separation.


My hunters hit the woods at this time of year and I don't see them for a week until we are reunited for a Thanksgiving feast.  My youngest came home this year to go to school this week so it has not been as quiet as it usually would be.  With the dog gone I am glad to have the empty corners filled with her movement in the house.


I would like to share the words from the devotion with you this morning as loneliness can take many forms.  We have to be careful that we do not set ourselves up for those empty spaces in our lives if we have a choice.  I am going to give it to you straight from the book.


Being Rooted


The next time you visit a very dense forest, try to imagine what is taking place under your feet. Scientists now know when the roots of trees come into contact with one another, a substance is released which encourages the growth of a particular kind of fungus.  This fungus helps link roots of different trees-even those of dissimilar species.  If one tree has access to water, another to nutrients, and a third to sunlight, the fungus enables the transfer of these items to trees that may be in need.  Thus, the trees have the means of sharing with one another to preserve them all.


Our culture today applauds individualism.  However, it tends to isolate people from one another and cut them off from the mainstream of life.  With more and more people working at home or in walled offices and with schedules crammed tighter than ever with work and activities, feelings of loneliness are more likely to increase than decrease.  Don't allow isolation to overcome you!


Reach out to other.  Begin to give where you can.  Learn to receive when others give to you.  Build a network of friends, not just colleagues.  And above all, root yourself into a group that nourishes and builds you up spiritually-your church.


I love the lessons that nature gives us and this was one that really hit the spot.  I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and find true togetherness in your relationships with those around you.