Shaky start

Not the best start in life. The seed dropped by the wind, or some passing bird onto this steep, shaded slope. Still, it germinated in the warmth of the soil, and clung to the hillside, resisting the pull of rainwater running down and through the slope from the open field above to the stream below. Ignoring its shaky start, it grew, up and up, until it's crown reached the light. Wide roots spread across the slope, holding it firmly in place, stopping it from slipping down.

Maybe our own shaky starts give us what we need to spread our roots wide and hold ourselves rooted in our lives. And yes, despite the unpromising start, we can reach the light.