Rooted in Faith: Two Trees – and what they have to do with a college kid
I’ve been watching these trees over the past couple of weeks. Several weeks ago Dusty and I thought we would lose all the leaves early on from the tree on the left before we could even enjoy the colors!
Then one day, as we pulled into the driveway after running Thanksgiving errands, I had to take pictures because of the stark contrast of the same type of trees, that are in the same location in the yard, receive the same about of wind and light, but yet so different.
I’ve always called the tree on the right “JJ’s Tree” – only because it is in front of his bedroom window. Since he’s moved to college, Hannalee has now taken over his room because, well, because girls need way more closet space than boys and his room has a walk in closet! JJ has just been home for Thanksgiving break and hasn’t enrolled for the spring semester. You know, the thought of oilfield money is always tempting and he’s been trying to figure out what he thinks he reallys wants to do. We’ve gone through all of options of what he could do, and then I had to remind him to remember why he’s at college to begin with. I had to remind him of how he felt that first day visiting OPSU. He’ll figure it out but it took some talking, crying, stressing, and praying. And it will take all of that and more over the next several years. (If anyone tells you raising little kids is hard….just wait until they’re “adult” kids! sigh. LOL)
Every time he walks through the front door after being away at college, we feel a flood of emotions—joy at seeing him again, pride in the confident, independent person he is becoming, and a quiet sadness, knowing how much he’s grown and changed. We see how college, classes, roommates and friends have stretched him, how he carries the weight of new experiences and decisions that shape his future.
But as his parents, we also think about his roots—the ones we’ve nurtured together over the years—and JJ, we want to remind you of something important: stay connected to them. Don’t forget to remember who you are, whose you are, and who you belong to!
Look out the front window at the two trees in our yard. “Your” tree stands vibrant, its leaves glowing in shades of reds and purples, full of life and color. The other stands stark, its branches bare, stripped of its leaves by the changing season. Yet both trees are sustained by the same soil, rooted deeply in the same ground.
I know being a college kid may feel like those trees. Some days, you might feel vibrant—filled with purpose, joy, and excitement. Other days, you might feel bare—uncertain, overwhelmed, or even a little lost. But no matter how bare or how vibrant life may feel, your roots remain the same.
Your roots are here—this home, your family, and your faith. They are what keep you grounded.
When life feels overwhelming or uncertain, remember where your roots are. This house will always be the place where you are loved, supported, and reminded of who you are. We are here to steady you, listen to you, and guide you.
And your faith—planted deep in your heart—is the living water that nourishes you through every season. When you’re unsure of your next step, don’t forget to remember — lean on that foundation.
Come back to prayer when you feel lost.
Open your Bible when you need direction. God’s Word is a constant, even when everything else changes.
You don’t have to do it all on your own. It’s okay to lean on the foundation we built together. It’s okay to come home and reconnect—with God, with yourself, and with us.
No matter how far you go, how long you’re away, or how much life changes, you’ll always have your roots. And just like those trees outside, you’ll find that every season—whether full of color or stripped bare—serves a purpose.
We’ll be here, every time you walk through that door, ready to remind you of the roots that will always hold you steady.
Don’t ever forget to remember…we love you! LYL!