This week the topic is:
Roots
Did you see some of the photos from hurricane Sandy, of trees pulled up by the roots? Whole trees, big trees, their roots exposed and wild looking, like dread-locks, twisted and intertwined and tangled. Above ground. Not where they are supposed to be. Roots are meant to be snug and safe and tucked into the deep dark earth, soaking up nutrients and water, subterranean, giving the tree its life and its stability.
Roots. Some people seem to have them. They stay, planted, firm, right where they are, year after year. The same neighborhood, the same church, the same grocery store, the same car repair guy.
Some of us do not have roots. We wander. We move. We wonder what will come next. We find new sources of inspiration, new views, new perspectives.
Have you seen photos of a tree, fallen, with a new shoot springing up from its trunk? Just enough roots left in the ground to spark new growth. Roots, digging in, seeking life, rooting. Funny, I hadn't thought of roots, rooting. Pigs root, or our dog roots when she is making a nest of her blanket. Of course, roots root. Seeking, searching, looking, wandering, reaching out for what will give stability and nurture. Like our dog, when she settles into her nested pile of blanket, safe, secure.
When the storms come, we hang on, leaning into the roots.
Well, time is up. Went a little over, actually.
Maureen, this is lovely. I was thinking of those uprooted trees, too, when I wrote (though I didn't write directly about them). I love how you talk about those whose roots stay in the same place, and those who move elsewhere and yet their roots, too, find life. Like trees, we are meant to be rooted. We are made for rooting. Thank you for the picture of these rooting roots, this rooting dog looking for his place of comfort. Happy to have found you through FMF. Blessings to you! - Ashley @ Draw Near
ReplyDeleteWe moved last year, but prior to our move we lived in a town in Connecticut right on Long Island Sound. We had a similar storm to Sandy a couple of years ago and our property lost 6 trees- torn out right by the roots. And now my friends are dealing with it again. It makes you realize how very important roots are- strong and deep.
ReplyDeleteLove how you discovered how roots- root! Thankful to have found your blog today!
"When the storms come, we hang on, leaning into the roots." - That's simple, but full of truth. It's so important for us to help our children to not only have roots, but understand where and why they exist. :) Thanks for writing!
ReplyDeleteTraveling lighter means well rooted to me. Wherever you go, there you are; as are those glorious roots!
ReplyDeleteReally nice post.
ReplyDeleteGlad to have you back! I enjoyed the novel, but missed the usual posts... thanks for being part of my roots! <3
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