September 13
The seed falling on rocky ground refers to people who
hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since
they have no root, they will last only a short time. When
trouble or persecution comes because of the Word
they quickly fall away. Matthew 13: 20-21
For years, my dear husband has enjoyed surprising me with flowers! How I appreciate his thoughtfulness!
He knows how much happiness it brings me to be in the presence of their beauty. The shape of their petals
with their vivid, variety of color, let alone the intoxicating fragrance they possess, all fill me with awe at these samples of God’s amazing handiwork! But sadly, within a very short time they wilt. No matter how much care
I give them or how diligent I am about refreshing their preservative laced water, they wither and die. They have been cut from the vine or from their root base and without that, they cannot maintain life. The joy they bring is brief, although the memory of these treasured gifts remain.
Occasionally my husband will also bring me a plant for the house instead, even though we have many; some
of which have actually been in our family for years! When I am in their presence, I am reminded of my roots;
my history. So often, the person associated with those plants immediately comes to mind, bringing back
memories that are precious. In addition, some of the plants, like my African violets, bloom also, so there is an added bonus to them! Once their roots have become established, their assorted hues of pink and purple become displayed, typically presenting themselves only during certain times of the year.
Sometimes I am like my flowers. I can appear vibrant, filled with energy and enthusiasm about life and
what God is encouraging me to do. But like the cut flowers, my passion can wane rather quickly when
challenged by obstacles or resistance. It is easy for new ideas and goals to weaken; I can slip right back into
old habits of self-doubt or uncertainty, especially if my firmness of purpose has not yet been established. In
other ways I can be like my plants, slowly growing forward inch by inch, gaining strength each new day, and producing the blossoms of completed good works, here and there at the appointed time.
When reflecting on those things that have been steadfast in my life and the traditions and values that make
me who I am, that bind me to God, my family, and my friends, I am overwhelmed with all the blessings He has surrounded me with. There is no doubt that it is only in my connection to God and His Word, and in doing what it takes to maintain that root base in Him, that I have life, that I flourish; and I am grateful for His gifts.
Lord, keep me rooted in your lasting love!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson
The seed falling on rocky ground refers to people who
hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since
they have no root, they will last only a short time. When
trouble or persecution comes because of the Word
they quickly fall away. Matthew 13: 20-21
For years, my dear husband has enjoyed surprising me with flowers! How I appreciate his thoughtfulness!
He knows how much happiness it brings me to be in the presence of their beauty. The shape of their petals
with their vivid, variety of color, let alone the intoxicating fragrance they possess, all fill me with awe at these samples of God’s amazing handiwork! But sadly, within a very short time they wilt. No matter how much care
I give them or how diligent I am about refreshing their preservative laced water, they wither and die. They have been cut from the vine or from their root base and without that, they cannot maintain life. The joy they bring is brief, although the memory of these treasured gifts remain.
Occasionally my husband will also bring me a plant for the house instead, even though we have many; some
of which have actually been in our family for years! When I am in their presence, I am reminded of my roots;
my history. So often, the person associated with those plants immediately comes to mind, bringing back
memories that are precious. In addition, some of the plants, like my African violets, bloom also, so there is an added bonus to them! Once their roots have become established, their assorted hues of pink and purple become displayed, typically presenting themselves only during certain times of the year.
Sometimes I am like my flowers. I can appear vibrant, filled with energy and enthusiasm about life and
what God is encouraging me to do. But like the cut flowers, my passion can wane rather quickly when
challenged by obstacles or resistance. It is easy for new ideas and goals to weaken; I can slip right back into
old habits of self-doubt or uncertainty, especially if my firmness of purpose has not yet been established. In
other ways I can be like my plants, slowly growing forward inch by inch, gaining strength each new day, and producing the blossoms of completed good works, here and there at the appointed time.
When reflecting on those things that have been steadfast in my life and the traditions and values that make
me who I am, that bind me to God, my family, and my friends, I am overwhelmed with all the blessings He has surrounded me with. There is no doubt that it is only in my connection to God and His Word, and in doing what it takes to maintain that root base in Him, that I have life, that I flourish; and I am grateful for His gifts.
Lord, keep me rooted in your lasting love!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson