Have you ever seen a giant oak tree whose branches spread out over hundred of feet in all different direction? They are huge, substantial, and heavy masses weighing thousands of pounds. I've often been amazed and wondered how those branches don't just snap right off.

But all the branches of the tree are supported by one foundation—one trunk, one root system. While the tree's root system is unseen and sometimes unappreciated, the proof that it exists can't be denied. In fact, it's been said that a tree's root system can grow out two to three times wider and deeper than the height of the tree itself.

The more the roots spread out underground, the more the tree can mature, growing up and out. Order of growth is important as well. Roots must grow first because the branches of the tree can't grow until the roots can support and sustain them. So the "unseen" needs to be established before visible results are realized.

The comparison one can draw to "spiritual roots" is undeniable. I've definitely had times when it's seemed as though I haven't been able to feel God's presence. But as I've come to understand how I fit into God's plan, and better understand my perfect place in His creation, a kind of spiritual root system has developed in my thoughts. And with this growth has come freeing beauty that is visible "above ground," in my life. As I'm nourished by God, I can naturally branch out and bloom beautifully. It's not something I have to force.

Recently I was reminded of this when I was getting my hair cut. The hairstylist noticed a bump on my head I'd been aware of for many years. It was never really painful, but I did notice it when brushing my hair. And I'd worried and wondered about it from time to time. Sounding concerned, my stylist urged me to get it looked at by a doctor. She warned me of another person with a similar issue who'd been diagnosed with something life-threatening, and my stylist said I should be alert to similar dangers.

I thanked her and immediately asked God, in prayer, what He knew about this situation. I heard nothing. OK. A different kind of answer. But it was actually what I needed in that moment. God knew nothing of this physical condition, I realized. In my study of Christian Science, and in my exploration of Science and Health, I'd learned that "God is not the author of mortal discords. Therefore we accept the conclusion that discords have only a fabulous existence, are mortal beliefs which divine Truth and Love destroy" (p. 231). I knew that God is Love. He doesn't give us problems we have to try to pray and fix through spiritual means. A starting point in prayer begins with recognizing the one perfect God, and His reflection, perfect man and woman. So could physical abnormality be an outcome of this perfect God, I reasoned? Absolutely not. With that answer, I dismissed any worry from my thoughts.

In the coming weeks and months, I kept up my regulat study of Christian Science, but didn't specifically think about the bump. I realized that after hearing "nothing" from God, I wasn't fearful anymore. My regular spiritual regimen continued to include seeing myself and others as God sees everyone, harmonious, perfect, and at peace. It wasn't until a couple of months later, right before going to get my hair cut again, that I noticed the bump was completely gone.

What I love from this example is that as my understanding of who I am, how I'm related to God, and what God knows of me grew, an ugly-looking physical growth disappeared. The victory came once a burdened material view was weeded out of my thought and replaced with trust in divine Truth. Then, I was able to go about loving God more, listening more freely. And healing naturally occurred.

I'm convinced that as our understanding of God, our spiritual roots, grows deeper, we are better able to see how we fit into God's awesome design. Then, we can't help but have amazingly beautiful branches—daily, healing proof of God's love and protection, strong, outstretching, and supported by a firm foundation. And, like the oak tree, we don't stop growing in our thirst for spirituality. "Roots" seek water, or refreshment, and become deeper, more established. The same goes for discovering more and more of life's meaning. It's a process that doesn't stop.

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This article first appeared on www.spirituality.com