Rooted and Radiant

If you don’t have time. 

Rooted and established. 

Radiant luminosity. 

From author Stephen King, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have time to write.” I wrote this note from his book On Writing. When I was working to become a better coach, I read what accomplished coaches had to say about coaching tennis, and I read what accomplished tennis coaches had to say about coaching tennis. I read a lot and practiced a lot and along the way, I found my way.  

Now, I am working to become a better writer, and over the past few years, I’ve been reading what accomplished writers have to say about writing. Most writers read. A lot. I think that’s what I like about King’s quote. We need role models, we need to study, and we need to practice. When we practice without guidance, we risk reinforcing bad habits. Let’s put some good role models in our windshields so that on our road to being better, we continually see what “better” looks like. 

This spring, I started a small garden, growing plants mostly from seeds. I started the seeds at the beginning of my tennis season, thinking this would be a fun way to see growth in this garden as I nurtured growth in my players throughout the season. I thought of these tiny seeds taking root and becoming established in the soil. 

Ephesians three notes our need to be “rooted and established in love.” A process that takes time, patience, and trust. As those small seeds grew into plants, my players grew as athletes and as teammates. All the while, I’m growing as a writer. We all grow at our own pace. We take root, find orientation, and become established. In soil, in reading, and in love. 

Isaiah says, “The whole earth is full of his glory.” At the risk of cherry-picking scripture, I do love this phrase. I once read that glory can be described as the radiant luminosity of God. I love this image. The glowing warmth gives our souls life and provides the soil where our hearts take root. Today, may we seek those who are grounded, rooted, and established. May we learn from them how to participate in life more fully. May we take time to see and feel this radiant luminosity, this glory that fills the whole earth. May we find our way to patiently grow as people who live life better and more fully.