He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade. Psalm 1:3
I count on God’s grace to water the roots of my faith, especially during Advent. The grace comes in a variety of ways. Prayer, of course, and joining with my parish community to receive the Eucharist help me to be open to God’s grace. Like the tree near running water, I must plant myself where the running water flows. Unlike the tree, I have the choice of leaving the rich bank near the stream of God’s grace. I have found that my spiritual life grows in direct proportion to how much effort I put into it. If I want my Christian life to yield more fruit, I need abundant grace to help me build my relationships with others and with God. Will I ever be the tree with evergreen leaves bearing great fruit? I hope so, but it isn’t likely unless I have well-watered roots of faith.
Deborah A. Meister
Originally published December 11, 2015
