Being Rooted

This is a picture of 

THE TREE.

In my neighborhood,

this is how we refer to it.

Not a very sexy word for the amazing 

beauty it exudes this time of year.
All of this crazy color and vibrance is displayed 
every year for just 

the small audience who will

turn the corner up this particular little street.
This is not the best picture of the tree
because I took it at the worst possible time
of day and also because I took it without
asking permission so I was sloppily 
trying to capture it without trespassing
or causing any suspicion. 
However, it is a picture of
THE TREE.

We've been know to take pictures

of it for neighbors that have

moved out of the area

or who were traveling

during the month

and would miss

it.

One neighbor has photographed her children

every year in front of it when the colors

are most vibrant and alive.

Now her kids are all grown up and she photographs her

grandkids in front of it now.

The tree is absolutely

STUNNING.

Glorious.

Breathtaking.

And we call it

"the tree".
Such imagination.

During Autumn

when everything is dying and falling off,

the fiery color of these leaves

are a true treasure.

I love this picture because you can see the fallen
leaves just scattered in a majestically beautiful mess.

I bet it's roots are really amazing.

This weekend I've been thinking a whole lot about

ROOTS.

For one, I had some gray ones on my head,

and Saturday was my day 

to be pampered and 

get them colored.

But a more significant idea of roots has been on 

my mind since my HeroFriendJeff was here

Friday night speaking to the youth

of our community.

I promise that a "bubble" post is coming

regarding this family that has 

impacted my heart and 

simply blessed my

life with their

friendship

and 

example.

He made a comment while speaking to the youth

that will continue to speak to me as I 

grow up, grow up my family, and invest time

in our youth as well.

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,....."

Ephesians 3:17

There is more to this verse and leads to my ultimate favorite of Holy words, 
about God's ability to do things that are beyond our wildest imaginations.
But these words about being "rooted and established in love"

appeared on our wedding invitations humpteen years ago.
So this verse is quite special to me.

But Jeff clarified that Paul did not say things like, 
"IF  we are rooted" or "WHEN" we are are rooted, 
as if something to attain to.

The word is "being" as in "we are" "already."

Then he said something very powerful.
Monumental.

People who know that they are rooted in love

do things 

OUT OF LOVE.

People who don't know that they are rooted in love

do things 

FOR LOVE.

I know. The sky in my neighborhood is not Bora Bora blue, 
but since I took the photo with brightest sun, I had to enhance a tad,
and instead of a "tad" went heavy handed.

I am still digesting the significance of these words for my own life.

So as I see the wondrous array of Autumn colors reflected in

these trees, scattered all over yards and streets in a big

beautiful mess, on the hillsides like bold bouquets,

I will embrace what this season in

my life holds-

I will also reflect on my roots.

Are my roots strongly secure in the deep-as-the-ocean

love that I am told they are rooted in,

so that when I show off my colors, gifts, and soul 

to the world,

that I am doing it OUT of love.

Not for the attention. 
Not for praise.
Not for love.

Might we embrace the simple miracle of

being rooted.