“As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
Paul exhorts the Colossians to be rooted in Christ. Jesus tells his disciples, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” I find myself today in France’s Rhône valley, near the village of Cairanne. We are surrounded by vines and sunflowers, and as I walked this morning I heard the bells of an ancient church ringing. I feel rooted, like this grapevine. And I know it is because I am rooted in Christ. Wherever I go, I am connected the source of life.
Walking this morning, I saw not only old, established vines, but also a newly-planted field, with young vines struggling to grow deep roots in the rocky soil. I imagine, as I prepare to move across the country to join in ministry with people I do not yet know well, that there will be moments when I feel more like these young vines than the older ones. But I know my roots are deep and will hold me fast.
Anywhere we go, there are people at all phases of life. Some are struggling to grow roots, some are established and producing wonderful fruit, and most are somewhere in between. Wherever you find yourself today, feel your roots. Feel them growing deeper, sturdier, and feel the life that the water of life brings through them to nourish you.
And as you feel your roots, lift your face to the sun and give thanks.
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