Seasons and Growth

Earlier in the week, we had 'proper cold'. Yesterday was warm, windy and wet. Now it is cooler again. But most trees are dormant, and it is not the time to sit in the garden! But the strong winds of three weeks ago uprooted several trees locally, and many around the country. This is the sort of thing to observe in winter.
But we know that later in the year, it would be normal to expect trees and plants to grow and be fruitful. That is unless their roots are so shallow that they are easily blown over!
Future growth depends of the present roots being healthy and fed.
Which makes me ask the question about how we are nourishing the roots of our own spiritual lives. Such a process will also help us to weather the storms of life - and it will be too late if we leave attention to root-deepening to when life gets tougher.
The Psalmist was shrewd observer of life's struggles.
'Oh, the joys of those who do not
      follow the advice of the wicked,
      or stand around with sinners,
      or join in with mockers.
  But they delight in the law of the LORD,
      meditating on it day and night.
  They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
      bearing fruit each season.
   Their leaves never wither,
      and they prosper in all they do. (Psalm 1.1-3)
It takes time to grow deep roots and develop life habits. The time to start is NOW, and all of us have the time we need. The Psalmist had noted that when people choose not to waste their time with following the advice of the wicked, or standing around with sinners, or joining in with mockers, there was something more substantial about their lives. That substance was the result of what they did do with their time - meditating on God's word.
We have to choose not to waste our precious time with trivia, so that we too can grow deeply in God's word.
Many say it is too difficult or too problematic. Is that a reason or an excuse?
There are excellent resources available to help us, so that we can become stable and fruitful. Then we will be blessed in lives with eternal consequences.
Best wishes,
Richard