Rooted and Grounded

The winter is transitioning to Spring and I decided to go to my hometown and visit with my mom, siblings and friends. I have not lived in NM for six years. When I moved to Austin, I felt a sense of freedom with a new opportunity to put down new roots. Every time I would go home and spend time there, I would feel a tinge of anxiety, sadness and sometimes anger due to the unique challenges I experienced while I lived there.

Overtime, these feelings have diminished and this last trip was pure joy! I felt very connected to the city and noticed all of it’s unique qualities. I chose to savor each. I realized I was connecting with my family roots. This gave me a quiet peace and sense of grounding. Each day flowed with enriching conversations with my family and loved ones from numerous spheres of my life. It was the first time I felt totally connected without any negative bias.

As I contemplate this new experience I feel I am at the point in my life where I it is imperative to recognize, value and cherish my roots. I want to see the gifts it has given me and to embrace the strength it carries. I want to go back more often and see what surprises may be there for me. I also want to pass along this core value to my children. It can give them stability that is rare in today’s culture, where most families live apart and some are not able to spend time together.

Even though I am in Austin, I now know my roots were not “cut off” from NM, they were strengthened as they spread to Austin. I am blessed and grateful for my roots and know my heritage has given me solid ground to stand upon.

He set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2