I was at a women’s conference last weekend on the book of Ruth and during a “get to know you” time around our table everyone was sharing where they were from and how long they’ve lived in Oman. I shared that we had been here almost a year and were moving to Bahrain this summer. Hearing that, one of the women was surprised that we were here for such a short time and asked how long we’d be in Bahrain. She seemed a little worried that we were only planning to be there for two years. Then my friend added that Oman was just one stop in a long string of moves, including our extremely short time in Egypt. To that she responded, “My goodness! You’ve been uprooted for a long time!”
The conversation moved on, but I started thinking about my roots. I pictured them being pulled out of the ground unceremoniously, with dirt clinging to the tiny fibers. The way they might die off as they are shoved into each new hole, each new space.
In all our years of moving around, I’ve never experienced being uprooted. I don’t feel like my roots are exposed and naked. They feel healthy and strong as if they are continually growing and filling each new space we occupy. How can I move and not feel uprooted? It doesn’t make sense.
Then I thought of a gardening equivalent: a hydroponic plant. These are plants that are grown without any dirt. It doesn’t seem like they should be able to grow without soil, but they are fed by the water that surrounds their roots. As long as nutrients are continually added to the water, the plant thrives. You can pick it up and move it around and the roots are never disturbed. It doesn’t know the difference between a bowl of water in in one place and a bucket in another.
I’m glad that my roots are happy in great water.