by 
I attend a church that was built by Welsh farmers in 1715.
Along the road, there is a beautiful stone wall that winds down around in a gentle curve and ends just before the driveway. Standing there, by the entrance and beside the wall, is a massive oak tree.
It must have been a volunteer, from an acorn that dropped so close to that wall. No one would have planted such a tree with so little ground between the wall and the road..
The interesting thing about this tree, aside from its age, is the roots. They snake between the wall and the road, hugging the ground in both directions. They are big, strong and tenacious.
It got me thinking about the roots we put down.
Our roots are invisible and deep. They extend in similar directions for a long way, although we cannot see them. They hold his steady when winds of disruption challenge our lives.
When we are calm, we say we are grounded. When we talk about ideas, we say they are grounded in something. That is because the roots extend further than we can imagine.
They make up the hopes and dreams of our ancestors, our parents and now us with the things that we hold most dear. They include the things we value, our memories, our beliefs, and what we love.
Today is stormy. It’s a perfect time to remember and honor the roots that are keeping you safe and steady.
Although the storms pass on the surface, our roots hold us firmly. Remember the love that was and is given to you today. Be alert for opportunities to share it. Consider what would make your roots stronger.