Roots, Patience, and Presence

We have discussed the benefit of examining the roots in our lives and comparing them to tree roots.  We have talked about taking the time to establish a solid foundation for ourselves from which we can operate.  In a previous post, we discussed how important it is to do our part for the kids in our community.  So how are trees and roots related to Patience and Presence?

Trees endure harsh winters and drought conditions, and for the most part, for many years, they survive.  They find their way around the pavement, pipes, other tree roots, rocks, and many other obstacles, yet they persist.  They keep going and keep themselves moving forward.  This persistence is much like our own lives in that we must find ways to endure life challenges, such as love, meaning, and emotional struggles, to name a few.  How is it that we keep going?  Consider the roots of a tree.  A tree root doesn’t wish for different conditions that we know of anyway.  It finds its way around obstacles and keeps going.  If you have ever dug up a tree and tried to remove some of the roots, you know they go everywhere and establish themselves into the earth.   The root metaphor teaches us to find our wisdom and perseverance to continue.  The root metaphor I have been writing in this three-part series is our symbol for the strength that we need in our own lives.

Strength such as tenacity–resolve, persistence, firmness, resolve to accomplish that which we desire.  I speak to large groups of kids and adults on various topics, including perseverance and perseverance.  I talked with the owner of a significant heating and air conditioning company, and I asked him what his biggest challenge was with his employees.  He said persistence to solve a problem and perseverance in light of a challenge in their personal life without hesitation. These roots are not being established with our youth like they were in the past.  Many of the supports that used to be present in communities to help with this work have changed, if not all, but disappeared.  Take some time today to find kids or adults in your life and have a conversation with them about what gives you a root system on which to draw strength in your life.

By helping to address this with our youth today, we give them a gift on which they can draw for the rest of their life.  Today, I challenge you to find the time to sit with someone you care about and pass on your root system to them.  You will find great reward in the few minutes that it takes to have a great conversation.

Explore these images of patience (1) patience – Bing images

For another look at this critical trait, read my post at Be Patient and Wait – Dr. Rich Patterson (pattersonphd.com)

Yours for a Better Life,

Rich