Three generations

Recently, while walking, I noticed a beautiful pin-cushion tree covered in bright orange flowers. Looking closer, I saw that some were in full bloom, others were wilting, and some had fallen, leaving bare stalks. Others were still closed buds, waiting to blossom. The whole cycle of life was visible on one tree, yet every flower drew its life from the same root. It reminded me of our families: children like buds waiting to bloom, adults in their prime, those whose strength is fading, and the empty places left by loved ones. Whether a tree continues to flourish depends on its root. The same is true of us. Sadly, many lives are rooted in human ideologies rather than God. Yet thousands of years ago, this promise was given: “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” (Isaiah 11:1). That Branch is Jesus, and we are called to draw our life from Him. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). A blossoming family depends on its root. What fills your time, thoughts and desires? Your answers may reveal where your life is truly rooted. (Craig B). Open Bible – bit.ly/Isa11v1, bit.ly/joh15v5