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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The Peace That Surpasses All Understanding
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7, NRSV-CE
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post, Lauren. This was such a beautiful reminder that my true roots are found in Jesus Christ, and in Him I remain grounded.