Rooted

The word "rooted" has so much meaning in our family. For generations, our family has lived on our farm near Marysville, in Union County Ohio. For generations they have done their best to take care of this place so the next generation can thrive. 

We may have roots in a family or community, but our individual roots are specific to each of us. Like the roots of plants, they are what spiritually and psychologically feeds, nourishes, and holds us in place. 

For a plant to thrive, it must be rooted in the right soil. Like plants, we all have different needs. If a plant is in the wrong soil, its roots will not flourish and the entire plant will never reach it's full potential.  If a plant is in the right soil, the roots will flourish and the whole plant will thrive, doing what it was created to do.  

Plants have no say in where they are planted. They can't move themselves or change the soil they're in. Fortunately, we can change these things in our lives. We certainly can't change where we are from, our past, or where we live, but what we can change are attitudes, outlooks, and being a kind, caring, loving person to everyone around us.If we want to thrive and reach our full potential, we need to be intentionally living in a way where our roots can be fed and nourished.  

Plants must have strong roots to thrive. Roots are how the plants take up nutrients and water so they can grow. Just as important, they anchor plants in place so when the rain and wind comes, the plant will not be moved. Roots don't just use the soil they grow in as a source of water, food and security. In return, the roots stabilize that same soil that anchors them, so when the rains come and wind blows, the soil that gives them security will not eroded. I think it is worth noting that a single plant cannot secure the soil on an entire hillside or riverbank, but it takes the roots of many plants to do the job.

We are blessed to now be in our fifth generation of our family to work, build, play, love and live on our farm near Marysville, Ohio. Our family is certainly deeply rooted here. What a perfect metaphor since each generation has made their livelihood from cultivating plants. Candi and I take the responsibility of cultivating the roots in the farm and especially in our family very seriously. There is work happening under the surface we may not ever see in our lifetime, but we know it will anchor and nourish our family and future generations over time. 

-Keith

Rooted: established in a particular place, nourished, under-the-surface growth that anchors a persons inner strength, resilience, consistent effort, and ability to adapt.