Roots Through the Generations
Lord, help me to cultivate roots where You have planted me.
There is the saying: “Grow where you are planted”.
Yet, roots take time.
They don’t form overnight.
Patience and trust in the process is required.
Recently, I attended a funeral, and the graveside service was in a small, old country cemetery. I knew that some of my relatives were buried here in this peaceful place. What I came to learn is that my great-great-great grandparents were laid to rest here over 100 years ago.
Also in this peaceful setting, my great-grandmother was buried, alongside her brothers.
As well as their parents: my great-great grandparents.
A long line of my ancestors are all buried in the same place.
Written on my great-great-great grandmother’s headstone were two lines in German. A quick online translation of the lines indicated in English that they said:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and strengthful, I will refresh you.”
While online translators are not always the most accurate, it was undeniable that my great-great-great grandmother’s headstone had a translation of Matthew 11:28 written on it in German.
This verse has always resonated with me. I find it beautiful that an ancestor of mine, who was born 160 years before me, also may have found comfort in this beautiful verse. What I know about her is that she and my great-great-great grandfather came to America from Germany to start a new life.
I can’t imagine beginning life again on the other side of the world from where I was raised, with a new language, environment, and culture.
They planted roots in a new place, and those roots have formed over generations.
Jesus said in scripture: “I am the vine, you are branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5, RSV-CE
Wherever we decide to put down roots, it is important to stay close to Jesus. We must stay connected to Him to have strong roots, like a tree planted beside the waters (Psalm 1:3).
Jesus will help us grow.
In honor of Memorial Day coming up next week, I thank God for those who came and went before me.
I had no idea my great-great-great grandparents were buried in a quaint, country cemetery 20 minutes from where I was raised. Yet, it reminded me of the brave choice my ancestors made over 150 years ago to make a new life for themselves in America.
My roots come from their choice.
As my great-great-great grandmother’s headstone reads: come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest.
While I don’t live near where I was raised anymore, I am reminded that my true roots are found in Him.
Lord, help me to cultivate roots where You have planted me.
Amen.
In Christ,
Lauren
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