Taking Root for What's to Come
The non-resolutions for a resolute new year.
Alma 32: 41 - 43
41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.
42 And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.
43 Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.
A song to feed hope inside you.
Perfection is thrown out the window! Many years ago, I released myself from the passionate fanbase of creating new year’s resolutions. Can you imagine the disappointment every year based on high expectations (at least that was my experience)? Let alone forget the brutal truth of not reviewing every resolution we made at the beginning of the year…
I remember when I was first introduced to the idea of saying affirmations daily… you know the classic, “I am strong.” and much more. I understood that when you say affirmations in a consistent pattern, you will start manifesting it in your life. But the hard thing for me has always been breaking through the rock-hard wall of consistency. That moment when an intention becomes a habit, therefore makes it second nature to the body.
As I’ve practiced time away from social media, I learned that there’s more to consistency than just having a mindset of a certain time, place, or whatever form of habit or routine is being tried. If the foundation is not built, the drive to create healthy habits is absolutely impossible. While I was listening to the verses I shared with you (above) it mentions, “that (the word of God) may take root in you…”
I thought, what does that even mean? So I did some research.
To take root means:
begin to grow and draw nourishment from the soil through its roots —
to establish, accept.
The word establish resonated with me,
so I did more digging.
To establish means:
comes from the root word (stable),
to make a firm, permanent basis.
A basis is an underlying support or foundation — thank you, Google. So where am I getting at here? I don’t know. lol, jk. Okay, seriously — there are so many unexpected things that come our way, the majority of the time destroying the expected time we feel the need to do our routines or habits. But the phrase taking root enlightens us about how we can go beyond what we expect of ourselves and how the Lord’s gentle reminders can help us rise above our circumstances.
If a specific time for a good thing doesn’t work out for you, doesn’t mean the rest of the day is wasted or you can’t do it at all, it means there is another opportunity during the day or night to do it. If not, then some precious time during the week. Customize it, make it smaller or bigger. Listen to what you need, not what other humans in real life or online recommend (even if they’re good intentions). If it’s really a priority… if there really is a will, there certainly is a way. Daily, weekly, quarterly, yearly. Whatever pattern of consistency — the Lord sees our efforts and the strength we want to be able to do that thing.
Here’s a quote I love.
“I’ve never bought into that “You Just Know” notion. Love is a tricky thing. Sometimes it feels like an undeniable force that hits between the eyes and doesn’t let up. Other times, it’s malleable, questionable. It’s truth hidden in and amongst external obstacles and internal circumstances that’ve formed who you are, what you expect in the world, and how you can accept love. Oh, to say the least, it’s complicated. And if a mind’s abuzz with pressure and deadlines and “What if this and that,” I imagine love’s truth would be a near-impossible thing to feel. I wonder if, when all’s quiet in your mind, you’ll find your answer.”
— Aunt Josephine
Like love, resolutions can be a tricky thing. Changing our ways to become better is a messy, chaotic thing. But surely and truthfully, you and I have everything we need within ourselves to create a life that fills our hearts with joy and inner peace. It is when you let yourself hear your own voice, say what you need to say, do what you need to do, to show up even in the most overwhelming turbulence — will the word of God can genuinely take root and create a firm, permanent basis. A part of Jesus within me. A part within you. A part that can stay. A part of Him in myself that can make an entirely new being — a new heart, changed through the gift of repentance — only possible through accessing the Atonement of Jesus Christ — something for all who trust God can use.
Something not exclusive. Something inviting. Something kind. Something that will stay. Something safe. Something true. Something for you.
Joy is for you. Now and in the coming year.
God be with you, my friend —
and a hopeful new year.