Moving a Tree

My friend Christine has had an apt word for me many times, always at prime times in my life.  I am so fortunate to be around many edifying friends and family, who have good counsel at perfect times.  I have been thinking about Christine's text from a few months back.  It was just as we were settling into the idea that we will almost definitely be moving.  So here's her text and how I'm applying it.

Jo, I believe God would want you to watch a video about how a tree is moved from one place to another.

Ok.

This is planting a tree from a pot:


This is moving a tree from one spot to another.



Could it really be, that God has gone ahead of us to our new location, and prepared a place for us to grow into?

Could it really be, that it hurts the tree a bit in the short term to run a blade through the outer lining of it's root ball, cutting the roots (some spiraling)?

Is it true, that the roots of the tree only branch out as far as the leaves and branches?

When the tree is in its new home, is it not fully saturated with water?

In the example of a potted tree, a dike or moat is put in place, barricading the water, ensuring it doesn't go anywhere else except to quench the tree.  Is this really possible that God would do all of these things for our little family as we establish our roots in a new location, keeping us from thirsting and drying out?

Yes.

I hold a deep confidence and peace that these things will all happen, or have already happened.  I can feel the pull and cuts of a few of the roots already, one being my good friend who will be away this week throughout the summer.  We live across the street form each other, and the past 3 years, whenever we are both outside with the kids, it is an instant play-date and conversation.  What a great friend. We had many shared family meals, birthday parties, and games together.  Maria popped in last night to say, "goodbye."  

Ouch.

I am not looking forward to the next few months of tugging and clipping, but, oh, that refreshing water to look forward to. To be saturated with water until our new growth of roots branch out into new native soil.  I can't wait.


“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, 
whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit."
(Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV)

On a life-long note, this alludes to the only Living Water.
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”  (John 7:37-38 ESV)
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:16-17 ESV)



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