Where My Heart Is Rooted

"You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of us"

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My heart is rooted in many places. From right at home to across the sea. I planted a seed ages ago at a church that was presupposed to let me down by the age of thirteen. I played along, I continued to attend. But what I found there was far more than I ever expected. I found my soulmates. I found happiness. I found a love for christ and for mission work. and I found myself. Not many teenagers can say that. and as I become distant with a place I called home for so long, I have realized that it prepared me for my future. unfortunately it makes leaving that much harder. I left for a summer that was thought to only be "just another summer." how could it ever top last summer? I was sure that it couldn't. but here, as I sit in the common-room silently with 3 of my fellow staff members, I know that we have become a family. We fight, we laugh, we cuddle, we love, and we challenge. Here is another place that my heart has become rooted in. The fruit that comes of this tree is one that far exceeded my expectations. I am constantly being forced to grow and I go to bed sleepy and spent. but all for his glory. and that is why I know that nothing I do is in vain. that is why I go to sleep content every night. I have learned to lean on Him. I have learned to trust him. my heart has become so deeply rooted in Him through this place. But it is not the only place my heart is so deeply rooted in the father. Many miles away from here, his spirit flows beneath the dust that scatters the plains of South Africa. His faithful servants are leading the way to his kingdom in places that you wouldnt dare dream of. where earthly fathers beat their children. where people sit and wait for something, for nothing. where hope comes from a 10 year old passing out daily devotions. my heart longs to be there. to be in the place where he opened my eyes and my heart to his people. where he has shone me despair and sadness and love and joy. my heart is rooted in South Africa so much so, that I will not rest until I return. My heart is rooted in St.Mark's United Methodist Church, where I was born and raised into an amazing, loving family. My heart is currently rooted in New Frontiers, where I am constantly being challenged to step up and be the person God intended me to be. Where my faith is finally put to the test. These places, as well as the people that are connected with each must know that they have greatly impacted my short life. All the glory be to God. May my heart always be firmly rooted in Him.