We have a creek in our backyard. I love that about our yard! It has provided great amounts of fun for our girls growing up, and now our grandchildren. With my love of water I have always been thankful for the water running by, especially when the sun sparkles on it or the ducks swim by. Occasionally, (ok at least once or twice a year) with a very heavy rain, that creek comes out of the banks and our backyard turns into a lake or a rushing river. Thankfully, our house is up on a hill and we to date have always stayed dry.
August 20th, just a couple days ago, Madison, WI got a record amount of rain in a very short time and once again we had lakefront property. (Again, counting my blessings, our house stayed dry. Our neighbors were not as fortunate, they have basements, and we do not, and 3 of them took on water in their basements. Sorry friends.) The picture you see is the swing set in our backyard when the water was at its highest. Behind that swing set is our fire pit, with a picnic table and some chairs. Today, I ventured out to take a closer look, and to throw away debris left behind from the flood waters. No more picnic table or chairs, the flood washed those away. The area had gotten pretty overgrown this summer because I was not intentional in pulling weeds, so today, I took advantage of the wet ground and went ahead and pulled out many of those tall weeds. (in some cases, think small trees)
Here is what I noticed about what was left behind. Rocks and weeds with roots. The flood water was the highest we have ever seen in the 20 years we have lived here. It was so fast it washed away a large picnic table. However, the rocks around the fire pit hole remained, and the rocks around the perimeter are still there. And those pesky weeds held strong because of their strong roots.
I was quickly reminded that God is my Rock!
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2 ESV
I was also reminded about the places in scripture that talk about our roots.
"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong." Ephesians 3:17 NLT
"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." Colossians 2:7 NLT
I am thankful. Thankful to hear of how many people reached out in love to help other people in need during and after the flooding. Thankful for everyday reminders of who God is. Thankful for His Word that I can read it and memorize it and hide it in my heart. And thankful the water is back in its banks.