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Friday, February 11, 2011

Rooted and Established in Love

I've recently become intrigued by a tree near our farm…or is it two trees? I’m not a horticulturist so I really don’t know - I haven't inspected it below ground level (The neighbors would probably think I'm strange since it isn't my tree).

This tree appears to actually be two trees that decided to work closely together. One trunk is sturdy and looks like it has been growing longer than the other; or maybe they started out at the same time and one was better suited to the ground from which it grew.

For me, this tree is a beautiful depiction of marriage. Two people choosing to intertwine their lives, their assets, their very beings into one. They share the seasons and are sustained by the same soil and environment. Each season brings different challenges and joys, various struggles and growth. These trees will never be separated except by the death of one or both.

This current season is cold and seemingly lifeless; and the trees, devoid of any evidence of actively growing, cling together and weather the season. I wonder what is happening during this dormant stage these trees go through each year...perhaps it is similar to times in marriage when things are less than fun, warm and friendly. When a couple is committed to God and to each other, there continues to be growth even when we can’t see it. Simply by staying together, something is happening…shared memories, resources, and relationships…things that shape a couple even when they are not aware. God is always at work conforming us in the image of Christ. I praise Him for the promise that He will not stop until the work is complete (Philippians 1:6)!

Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

10 comments:

  1. This is one of my very favorite passages of Scripture!

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  2. This is beautiful. Do you mind if I share this on my blog? I will be sure to link back to this post. My brother is getting married tomorrow, so this hits home for me.

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  3. Love it, Mom! You and Pop are a sure example to us of that kind of love. You have shown us that even in the rough patches, staying committed and CHOOSING to love each other pays off! What a great post! I love that scripture, too! It tells me that we are more powerful than we give the Holy Spirit credit for! The deeper the roots, the better chance we have of weathering life's storms for sure!

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  4. Beautifully written! It is am amazing God we serve and so wonderful that He uses His creation to teach and reaffirm us if we would just look around and SEE it! He is in everything.

    Georgia Bush

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  5. Thank you for sharing! A beautiful word picture! It was a blessing and encouragement to read!

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  6. Beautifully written words of wisdom. Thank you for sharing!

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