Looking deeper...

"Life's problems begin in the root system of the soul." ~Joshua Choonmin Kang

Kang tells about a root disease common in some African orange trees. To the casual observer, the disease is invisible; the tree appears to be healthy, producing what looks like healthy fruit. But something inside is sick-something deeper down brings on slow death.
My life appears in many ways to be healthy, producing seemingly healthy fruit. But something sick--deeper down, beyond my ability to reach or understand. It brings a slow, insideous death.
The cure?

For the African orange trees, the diseased parts of the root system must be removed and healthy root segments grafted in. For me...

"Life's problems are best solved at the root level;
that's where we care for our souls;
that's where the medicine is spiritual discipline."
~Joshua Choonmin Kang

Mother Teresa used to say, "Following Jesus is simple, but not easy" (Check out Irresistible Revolution). The key to bringing restoration to our "root systems" is to seek simplicity, but not ease. Our purpose and goal is simple: to love God and become like Christ. The pathway will not always be easy, though over time it will certainly be deeply good and gloriously full of joy.

"It is through many persecutions that we must enter the Kingdom of God..."
~Paul and Barnabus in Antioch.
(They went there to "strengthen the souls of the disciples and encourage them to continue in the faith. Some motivational speech. See Acts 14.)