Article April 27, 2020 Issue

Weathering life’s droughts

Sandi Justad

Prairie plants send down deep roots—with good reason. During dry times, these long, sturdy roots find hidden moisture underground, nourishing the part above ground. Also, by holding the soil together in severe winds and floods, these roots play a major role in preventing erosion.

By contrast, cultivated lawns have shallow roots and need consistent watering to survive. Without ample rain or a watering system, cultivated lawns will, at best, turn very brown.

Thinking about these different root systems reminded me of a letter written to the early Christians at Ephesus. It declared that their spiritual roots would grow deep down into the strength and durability of God’s love: “Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.… Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (Ephesians 3:17–19, New Living Translation).

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