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My love for gardening began years ago. Family and friends taught me the basics and as a young wife, I watched and learned from my husband, Bill. He would work with plants in our yard. When it was time to harvest our vegetables from the garden or decide which flowers to brighten the landscape, I depended on him. Bill was always willing to share the load of work with me and provide his latest and greatest ideas, complete with drawings for our yard.

Just last week, I was thinning out plants and transplanting small flowers in my yard. This year, I am grateful for friends who encourage me to continue to plant and as I garden this fall, I am reminded that the life of the plant is really found in its roots. You can damage a branch or leaves or even its stem, and often the plant will survive. But without good roots that plant is lost.

Do you ever feel lost as you face the changes widowhood has brought your way? There are many changes I have found since I became a widow. Sometimes it seems that I have been transplanted into a role I didn’t ask for and I do not know how to fit into this different life surrounding me. I am so much like these plants that I love. What I say and how I act or react speaks volumes about my roots. Being rooted in God’s word and supported and loved by others provides me with the courage to move forward and grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus.

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-18 (NIV)

My roots must be established in the love of Christ. To know His love and allow Christ to dwell in my heart deepens my faith. The Lord provides strength and empowers me to respond to the struggles and challenges facing me daily. The uncertainties and the disappointments that I face are minimized when I allow Jesus into the day-to-day of my life. Just as rich soil, a good water supply, and sunshine are needed to result in a thriving plant, God’s Word, prayer, and a community of believers, provide what I need to face another day.

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble.
Hebrews 12:15 (ESV)

The response plants show as I relocate them often is determined by their ability to recover from the trauma of movement and change. As a widow, life has changed for me too. God’s grace stabilizes the movement and change surrounding my life as I face decisions on my own. My knowledge and faith in His Word can prevent roots of anger, or bitterness from hijacking my emotions. Evaluating options life brings, and seeking wisdom in my choices requires me to ask the Lord what the next day should look like.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,
Philippians 1:9-11 (ESV)

This is not a one-time need to discern what is filling my heart, but a process of developing the ability to go to God. My confidence in Christ and my deeply rooted faith in the Lord provide stability and security for my choices. I must pray in humility and ask for wisdom and discernment as I seek to live a life pleasing to the Lord. My prayer becomes an act of humble submission to the will of God, as I regain my footing and move forward. My roots of faith can determine my stability as Jesus becomes my anchor.

Lord,

Provide stability for each of us in the midst of the struggles and challenges ahead. Make Your presence and Your power evident. Allow each widow the opportunity to deepen her roots and to have a faith that gives strength and support during loss. As we each navigate change, give us peace and confidence to move forward and find Your will and purpose ahead. In Jesus Name. Amen.