This morning, I was just outside my apartment and noticed that the grass is brown and crunchy. This is not uncommon during hot, dry summers like the one we are having here in Oklahoma. I found myself wanting to encourage the grass because I've seen the forecast and rain - lots of it is due later this week. I was like - just hang on, you'll be green again soon.
Even though the grass is terribly brown - like the middle of the winter brown, it will brighten up and be green with just a little bit of rain. It won't be long until it's vibrant again. I thought about how wonderful that will be. Then, since I'm the question queen, I started wondering about how in the world it can appear so dry and dead and then revive again. It hit me that it's the roots. I cannot see the roots because seeing through things isn't one of my superpowers. Lol. But basic science has taught me that an intricate root system mirrors most of what we see on top of the soil. It's working to keep the grass alive during the dry season, even though it doesn't change the grass's appearance. Well, that will preach.
Everyone, caregivers or not, goes through dry seasons. We can feel so dry and maybe even a little bit crunchy now and then. (smile) But when we are rooted and grounded in Him - our "root system" will sustain us through those dry times. Just a little bit of rain from His word, and we are all perky again. (And far less crunchy!)
The New Living Translation reads this way in Ephesians 3:17. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. I think knowing that His love for me didn't change when I became a caregiver has been one of the solid truths that have kept me grounded over these almost 14 years. To know that His word, His love, His plan, and His purpose didn't change in response to circumstances helps me stay grounded in Him. And, of course, it takes us staying rooted and grounded in His word to sustain us through those dry times.
There are days when He seems so close. I can feel His comforting care. Other days I think He packed up and moved away and left me holding the bags. It's those roots in His word that remind us He will never leave or forsake us. His mercies are new every morning. His kingdom is not shaken or moved by my circumstances. I can stand secure in Him, knowing the rain will come to my parched soul once again.
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