Planted and FlourishingSample

When we look at a beautiful big tree full of green leaves and big branches, there is a whole other part of the tree that we can’t see. At the bottom of the tree are lots of roots! Tree roots anchor the tree in the soil so that the tree can stand up straight and not fall over. Tree roots absorb water so the tree can be nourished and grow tall and strong. A flourishing tree bears fruit that brings food to others. A flourishing tree provides a place of life and shelter. A flourishing tree helps other trees around it to grow and flourish. A flourishing tree withstands changing winds, storms, hot days, and cold.

The same tree can look different through the seasons. In summer, it might be full of green leaves. In autumn, the same tree might have leaves that turn red, orange, and brown. In winter, the tree might look bare and have no leaves, and in spring, it could be covered in pretty flowers. What remains through all seasons is the roots. When there are no leaves, you don’t dig up the tree and toss it away. It stays planted because it’s still growing!

When we’re planted and let our roots grow deep in God, we will flourish no matter the season. On the outside, the seasons we face may change, but where we are planted doesn’t.