I have several young trees growing around my house, two one-year olds (an oak and a hickory), two two-year olds (also an oak and a hickory), and a three-year old oak. Because they are young and don’t have very deep root systems, I carry water out to them every day. That daily inspection lets me observe their growth, or lack of it. There are week-long periods when there is no growth at all. Then, suddenly, new buds appear on the tops, and out grows a several inch long branch with unfolding leaves at the top. Its a slow growth, but very rewarding.

Just like people, these trees have growth spurts. And between those growth spurts are periods of adjustment where everything seems to remain the same. Its like a sabbath for the trees. But, beneath the surface of the soil, the roots are getting established during those quiet times. They are stretching deeper into the soil to reach water so they can grow new branches and leaves up top.

When you feel like you’re sitting still in your spiritual development, waiting for the next growth spurt, let your roots go deeper in Christ. You’ll need them in the next growth spurt.