Karla’s Korner

Roots: Overcoming Life’s Obstacles

Roots: Overcoming Life’s Obstacles

Once in a while I take a few minutes to walk around my yard, watch the critters that live there and pull a few weeds from the mulched ground. Recently I noticed a small pine tree growing in the rocky area near the side of my house. Not much taller than an inch the little evergreen stood tall in spite of it’s not so ideal living conditions. Reaching down to pull it out of the driveway something tugged at my heart and I decided to leave it where it was for now. Obviously the driveway is not an appropriate place for a pine tree to grow but for now it’s so small it won’t be in the way. Maybe, I will let it grow for a while and then attempt to transplant somewhere in the backyard. To some it’s just a tree but for me it symbolizes strength and purpose.

Knowing that no one person dug a hole in the ground and planted a seed for that little tree to grow I can only conclude that it is by mere coincidence that the seed was transported by the wind to the rocky ground. As the small seed began to change and transform it became necessary for it to establish a root system forcing itself to dig deep within the rocks to reach the soil underneath. Unable to imagine the sheer power and force it took for those tiny roots to take hold I begin the think about life and how we must establish a root system of our own.

In our ever changing world we find ourselves forced at times to move to new places leaving behind what we know; what we are familiar and comfortable with. We leave the mulched areas of our lives and can often feel like we are dropped into the rocks seeking a place to establish our roots. Life can be challenging when we feel unstable and out of our element. Much like the little evergreen tree pushing its way through the tough terrain we must push through the tough stuff of life in order to grow and stand tall.

I met Emily when my family and I moved to Georgia in 1999. We attended the same church and spent time in youth group and children’s choir activities. She was a beautiful teenaged girl with a huge smile, big heart and love for family, friends and God. Emily’s family relocated to Colorado and life moved on. A few years ago I received a Facebook message from Emily. Surprised that she remembered me I was curious to know what she wanted; if she wanted anything at all. Emily’s message pulled at my heart; she was unmarried, pregnant and wanted me to pray for her. We chatted for a while and I assured her that she would be in my prayers. We became Facebook friends and as I prayed for her I found myself wondering how such a young woman was going to manage. Time passed and Emily gave birth to a beautiful little boy. Our conversations were few and far between but each time we chatted it became obvious that Emily was not going to let the rocky road stop her from digging in and standing strong. Emily finished college and landed a job as a teacher; she also bought a home and has settled in with her toddler by her side. Emily pushed through the tough hard stuff and established a root system for her and her son proving that anything is possible if you push hard enough and never give up. Once in a while I see a picture she’s posted and know that her little boy has a great big chance at a great big life because his mother decided not to let the rough road get her down; she created a strong root system.

Quite often we find ourselves facing difficult times and we want to stay where we are and avoid the rough stuff; the rocky road. But much like Emily and the little evergreen tree we can’t let the rocks and circumstances stand in our way of growing and developing into the person we are created to be. We need to believe in ourselves knowing we have the capabilities in achieving our hopes, dreams and desires. I encourage you to stand tall like Emily (and the little tree) and be proud of who you are, what you are and what you do. Finding a way to go under or around your big obstacle in life will allow you to establish your root system and be the best you there is.

Peace,
Karla

I am proud to introduce a new column to Madame Deals! I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Read more Karla’s Korner , also please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

Check out Karla’s 24 Day Advocare Challenge updates!