“I am the true vine and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” -John 15:1-2
To say that I have a “black thumb” would be an understatement. My husband and I have agreed that I am no longer allowed to plant any greenery from here on out that is not drought tolerant. Thankfully, living in South Texas, we are provided with ample native plant options that have adapted to surviving on as little water as possible.
This Fall, I was looking at our Indigo Spires planted in front of our home and noticed how rather unfortunate they were looking. Numerous dead stems and sun-scorched blooms were hanging on listlessly while being tossed to and fro in the strong coastal winds.
So I grabbed a pair of scissors and began clipping away. Now, I am quite sure I was not pruning correctly by sophisticated gardening standards, but I was effective enough at removing all of the unsightly stocks and parts that were no longer producing beautiful blooms.
In doing so, I assumed—or hoped rather—that the deep bluish-purple flowers would return in the Spring. But to my surprise, they rebounded this Winter! And here we are, in the middle of January, with beautiful Indigo Spires blossoming vibrantly right outside our windows.
It reminded me of Jesus’ description to his disciples where he spoke of God’s purposeful pruning in the lives of all believers; the uncomfortable—yet necessary—removal of that inside of us and within our lives that keep us from growing spiritually into the men and women that He has called us to be.
How many of us have experienced the sudden closing of a door on an opportunity we desired, relationship we thought we needed or even a drastic change within our own desires that would take us in a much different direction than we were previously headed? And how uncomfortable or even painful was it at the time?
We all have. And if you’re like me, you may have found yourself fighting a few of these seasons of adjustment with the obstinacy of a bull.
But when we reflect back now, can we see God’s hand at work in the midst of the details and circumstances? Are we grateful that we are now standing in, or on the horizon of, blessings that may never have occurred had God not been the tender gardener of our hearts and lives?
So let’s not be stubborn with our withered stems and lackluster petals; hanging on to that which simply cannot bring forth the bright, beautiful blooms God has for us. Let’s put our trust instead in the goodness of Him who has created all and sustains all.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being the loving Gardener of our lives.
When the pruning hurts, remind our hearts of your faithfulness and love.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.