Rooted

I had the joy of preaching last week at my home congregation. I don't get to preach in my new position very often and it felt so good to preach in the congregation that has shaped me for so many years. I was preaching on being rooted in Jesus and grounded in Wesleyan theology- two of the values of our annual conference. When I preach, I follow an outline, but I like to leave some space for the Holy Spirit to move. As I was wrapping up, I couldn't help but talk about how important it is to have deep roots right now. Roots that sustain us, roots that tether us, roots that bring us life from deep within dark, nourishing soil. That image of being deeply rooted has stuck with me all week.

This week has been a doozy in the world. The national guard called in to LA. A ship full of humanitarian aid headed to Gaza, intercepted and ceased. Tit for tat across social media between our highest ranking government official and his supposed right hand man- ( or a cat fight between a felon and an oligarch). Air quality alerts due to wildfire smoke. The list seems endless. The winds blowing this week have felt hurricane level at times. This is why it is so very crucial to be deeply rooted.

What soil are you planted in right now? What is giving you life below the surface that sustains you? What is nourishing those roots? Are your roots deep enough to bend in the chaos but not snap? Some days it is easy to forget that we are rooted in something deeper and bigger than the current news cycle, the tropes of doom and gloom. But as followers of Christ, we ARE rooted in something so much bigger. In Paul's letter to the Ephesians he encourages them, "17 I ask that Christ will live in your hearts through faith. As a result of having strong roots in love, 18 I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth, together with all believers. 19 I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God." (CEB).

Strong roots in love. Roots that defy the call of our culture to shame, blame, and other anyone outside ourselves. Roots that spread and grow when connected to others. What does it look like to have strong roots in love? For me it starts with an unbounded prayer life- an on going conversation with God that reminds me to whom I belong and that I am named and claimed by a love that surpasses earthly bounds. In the wee small hours when anxiety rains down, in the midst of breaking news, in the events I bear witness to that break my heart- that on going hum of conversation calms, soothes, centers me at my core. Strong roots in love looks like making time to be present. To the people I am with, the place I am in, the moment before me. Strong roots in love lead me to find the places that nourish me the most- the farm, the lake cabin, the sanctuary. And in those places- deep within the soil, I find the community that sustains me, the family that loves me, the story that sings of life and hope and joy. Rooted in Christ, we are part of a story that has weathered dictators, war, famine, wandering the wilderness, oppressive regimes. A story that always, unashamedly, shouts of love.

19 I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God." A life deeply rooted in Christ, filled with the fullness of God. This life takes intentional tending. Where are you nourishing your roots today? I happen to be writing from the sun porch at the cabin. It is peaceful and safe and it is filling my cup. I spent the weekend building a raised bed garden. Digging in the soil, mixing creativity, muscle, and determination to create a space that will feed me body, mind, and spirit. Tomorrow I will begin a week with other UMC clergy from across Minnesota as we gather for annual conference. Moving worship, unlimited hugs, good work, and connections with so many people who are part of my root system. Nourishment to last months.

A life deeply rooted in Christ stands against the winds of culture. It allows us to show up in protest, in love, in hope, in solidarity and not be overcome. My sassy pastor prayer for you this week is that you tend your roots. That you allow yourself to be present in the moments that give you life. That you stand firm. That you know a life grounded in the fullness of God's love.