It Starts With Your Foundation

I think it's amazing how God can speak to us through the little things in life. 

    In my dorm room, I have 3 plants that I love to care for. One of my plants I left at my dorm while I was gone back home for Christmas break. When I came back, the plant was withered, weak, and the stems were droopy. I didn't want to just give up on my plant so I began to water it. While I watered it, God put an awareness in my spirit. I realized that I wasn't watering the leaves or the stems, but the soil. 

    Then I got the revelation! Why do a plant need more tending to its soil and roots? Why does that have the most impact on the growth of the plant? These questions stirred in my head, but then I got the understanding that feeding into a plant's foundation helps it obtain the resources and strength to grow. It's the foundation that makes it strong and able to withstand its environment or circumstance. It's the foundation that the plant uses to obtain what it needs to feed into itself. But not only that, a big contributor to the growth of the plant is the sun. The sun is the biggest, most sufficient source that gives energy and light to the plant. When that light is absorbed from the sun, the plant is able to use that energy for functioning and maintaining its life. 

    In addition, it's important to understand that wherever a plant is grounded determines its growth. My question to you is, what are you grounded in? What does your foundation look like? Where or who is your time, energy, and investment going in? What are you depending on? 

    How amazing is it to know that something as simple as a plant can represent us as spiritual beings in Christ. God is like the Sun to us. Our foundation is built upon prayer, fellowship, God's word, sharing the gospel, ministry, and so on. The things we do to invest in our spiritual life in Christ is essential to establishing a strong foundation in our lives and growing as individuals. If you think about it, God is our main source just like the sun is the main source of a plant. God is sufficient, eternal, ever-lasting, energy, spiritual fulfillment, and omnipotent. God gives us energy and the power to perform the things needed for us to grow, despite anything around us. When we invest in our spiritual foundation, we invest in ourselves which is more effective than investing into the things and bad habits of the world.

    But one thing people disregard is how we expect God to do all the work and we just sit around and not act ourselves. As believers, we have to utilize our main resource (God), use what God gives us to grow and develop, and invest our time into the things that are necessary for us to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. 

    Remember always to water yourself with the things of God and know where your source comes from! And then, WATCH HOW YOU GROW! =)

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. How am I investing in practices or tools that enhance both my personal development and spiritual well-being?

2. What activities or habits bring me closer to fulfilling my spiritual purpose while also nurturing my mind, body, and soul?

3. In what ways does self-care reflect my commitment to spiritual growth, and how can I improve this balance?

4. Am I dedicating enough time and resources to learning and experiences that deepen my understanding of my faith or spirituality?

5. How do the investments I make in myself (e.g., time, education, or relationships) align with my spiritual values and long-term goals?