Root Systems
There is a special shrub growing in the garden, heavily entwined with another
plant and they were at the stage of developing new growth. They looked the same
at that stage, the leaves were the same shape, the stems were the same, and I
really could not tell them apart. Without looking at their root pattern, I could
not be certain which plant was which.
Their roots were well out of sight, too difficult to get to, and I wanted to
grow cuttings of the special one. From experience I knew it did not grow easily
but somebody asked for a cutting and I was keen to share my treasure.
Carefully, I took cuttings of the entwined shrub, feeling sure I have taken them
from the right root system, and put them into two pots especially prepared for
them. I watered them gently and watched over them for any tiny new shoots. They
surprised me by growing easily and I was thrilled when my friend called by and I
could give her one of the pots.
Well you can guess the outcome. Within a few weeks, when the cuttings had
developed their individual characteristics, I realised I had grown cuttings of
the wrong plant.
I went back to the originals and found the two shrubs were fully developed and
they were entirely different plants.
It is a lesson on how we grow, too. When the Lord put down root systems for his
people, he declared it was for a thousand generations because ‘With those who
love him and keep his commandments he keeps covenant and faith for a thousand
generations,’ Deuteronomy 7:9.
A thousand generations! He is faithful to us because our
great-great-grandparents to further back than we can count, loved him and chose
obedience to him.
The Lord grew them in a way so that ‘With deep roots and firm foundations may
you, in company with all God’s people, be strong to grasp what is the breadth
and length and height and depth of Christ’s love,’ Ephesians 3:17.
If you want to know the outcome, always, always check the root system.
Elizabeth Price
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