Rooted

“Rooted”

By: Megan Chewning

Being on the water, I have always been fascinated by the tall, large trees still standing on the banks of the waterways. After decade or sometimes centuries, these large trees are still solid in position; even with erosion, flooding, storms, and more that the trees face throughout their years. Trees along the banks help slow runoffs, assist with erosion control, reduce flooding, help prevent water pollution, and even help add to the aquifer system.

What makes some trees fall in the water over the years and others stay solid through all the adversity? It all comes down to the root system. Roots are the determining factor of how sturdy a tree will be when it is faced with the elements. Some trees, such as Pine trees, have a tap root that goes deep down into the ground and others like the mighty Oak trees have big roots that spread out dozens of feet from the tree root, to give it stability. Further still, you have the Mangrove tree’s complex root system, which is strong enough to cope with saltwater immersion and wave action.

The root is the foundation and a big determining factor for keeping trees upright, happy, and healthy.

In life, it is easy to feel like you are getting knocked down by the elements of life. This is why it is important to have strong roots, like these trees mentioned in the paragraph above. Because, the world is going to throw all it has at you, that is almost certainly a life guarantee. The Bible refers to having strong roots many times. Job is a prime example, in the Bible, of a person having the worst the world has to offer but still coming out of his situations, rooted on a someone who has a firm foundation. In Job 29, he states that he is “a tree whose roots reach the water and are refreshed”. Being rooted in a relationship with Christ, will help you overcome all the craziness around you. You may have floods, erosion, storms, and pollution but your roots will keep you solid for years to come.

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