If you have a garden you may be harvesting root vegetables. Plants have different types of roots. A plant with a taproot has a large, central root growing straight and downward which anchors the plant securely to the ground. Taproots provide storage for food, and absorb water and nutrients to help the plant survive drought and environmental extremes. Some taproots that are edible are carrots, radishes, turnips, parsnip, and beets. We often don't think about the roots because they are hidden underground; however, the root has an essential role in the growth and welfare of the plant.
The poet Rumi encourages us to "Come, return to the root of the root of your Self. You are born from the children of God’s creation, but you have fixed your sight too low." He is referring to the root of our soul, where God dwells. The Divine Taproot grounds us and anchors us in abiding love and mercy. In the midst of busyness or when we are experiencing drought in our spiritual life, God is there waiting for us to return so that we may be restored to health and wholeness. The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 3: 16-17 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.
Reflect on the health of the root of your inner being. In what ways are you nurturing your soul?
Joyce Rupp offers this blessing:
May you be rooted and grounded in enduring love.
May you trust this essential core of goodness within you.
May you choose to be nurtured through times of stillness.
May this root of divinity strengthen and support you.
May you discover inner peace to carry you through travails.
May you return time and again to the Taproot of your life.
Resource:
Rupp, J. (September 1, 2021) News From Joyce Rupp. She also has authored a recent book titled: Return to the Root: Reflections on the Inner Life.
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