This week is brought to you by the letter r, and the word root. I have a fun plant called a butterfly shamrock — its scientific name is oxalis triangularius. But, I prefer butterfly shamrock. 

Two fun facts. Its leaves are photophilic; which means at night they fold up, and during the day these cute little purple “butterflies” open up to receive as much light as possible. 

Another interesting element is that they prefer to be watered at the roots. Often, we soak plants on the surface, so leaves, stems, and soil are all regularly drenched. However, this little guy likes to absorb water from the bottom. Therefore, placing water in the saucer versus the surface allows him to slowly quench his thirst naturally. Crazy, right?

Unseen satisfaction in dirty, dark places is the key to growth. Read that again.

Unseen satisfaction in dirty, 🪴
dark places is the key to growth. 

Scripture reminds us that God's Word buries itself into the secret and sacred places of our heart and mind. It is the water from the root up that protects and saves our souls.

[Your word I have hidden in my heart, 
That I might not sin against You.] 
Psalm 119v11

[...humbly accept the word implanted in you, 
which can save your souls.] 
James 1v21

[“I will put my law within them, 
and I will write it on their hearts.”]
Jeremiah 31v33

Let’s pause here because I want to clarify. We must participate. “I have hidden” is a key phrase in Psalm 119v11. The original Hebrew word in this Psalm implies hoarding. Yes, friend… like collecting, accumulating, and stockpiling Scripture inside us. Not simply in a journal or on our phone. God knows the best place for His Word to be is rooted and implanted in the interior. 

Another aspect of this cutie butterfly shamrock is that, because of its root system, it will go dormant for up to 3 months. No blooms. No leaves. Just dry dirt. It all but appears dead. Yet, one day you notice a tiny stem breaking through. Life has been happening beneath the ground because the root has been watered.

Unseen satisfaction in dirty, dark places is the key to growth. 

Share this email with someone who needs to be reminded that the root requires water.

grateful —