Pruning

John 15

The Vine and the Branches

1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

During a normal conversation the other day with my sister, out of the blue she asked me how I'm doing emotionally with the approaching holidays. I told her that over the past month I've had some time of true reflection-sadness, fear, concern for the kids, and absolute depression. However, as I've worked through those times, I'm convinced that we are a much happier and healthier family this year, than in many years past. In fact, the sad thing is that the other day my mom made the same observation. So, as sad as it makes me in one way, and after having made it through the first major holiday as a fam of 4, I have to say that I'm looking more forward to it this year than in many past. The sad part, of course, is that it isn't the way it was planned. This is is in no way the way I saw my life going. I got married to the man I chose to love forever. When I made that promise to him, to God and to all who attended the wedding, I meant forever! I had 3 precious children based on the knowledge and faith that we would be raising them in a healthy and happy forever family. But...that isn't how it ended. In fact, that's one of the most frustrating and exciting things! I can't see how this all ends. I can't see all of the good God has planned for me and my children. I know it, I believe it, but I can't see it. For now, I rest in His promises, and stay focused on HIm.

Today, I'm getting all of the Christmas decorations out of the attic. I can't even imagine how I'm going to put up the tree-that was his job! I'm sure I can do it, but would prefer not to have to do it alone. I'm having to move the nails on the fireplace, which have been permanently there for the past 11 years, to accommodate 4 stockings instead of 5. As I've been shopping the last couple of weeks, I've passed over several things I'd have normally been ecstatic about scoring for George. All of this is different this year. But I've found such peace in realizing that just as we have to prune dead branches off of trees to maintain the health of the whole, and just as the scriptures above state that our Heavenly Father prunes us to maintain our health and production of fruit, our family has been pruned as well. I believe that the branch which has been cut off, was making the rest of our family tree very unhealthy. Read the following on pruning trees and compare:

Cut Tree Branches Carefully

By Vrinda Kumble, India

Most farmers plant at least a few trees for fruit, fuelwood, or timber, for fodder or green manure, or just for shade and beauty. After the first three or four years, when these trees are established, they grow and produce even if they are neglected. But if you take a little extra care, the trees will live longer and produce more for you, your children, and perhaps even your grandchildren.

You must take special care when you cut tree branches. You will need to do this from time to time. You may cut off large branches if a tree shades your crops too much or if you need logs for building or other uses. You may cut small branches and twigs if you need fuel or leaves for fodder or green manure. Or you may prune or thin some kinds of fruit trees to force new growth for a better crop.

Whatever the reason, take care to cut the branches in the right way, at the right time. Here are a few simple steps to follow to keep your trees healthy and strong.

What to cut

Cut off dead, diseased, or broken branches immediately. If you don't, the branches may die back even more. Cut back to the first healthy node. Nodes are the points where new branches grow from older ones. A slightly damaged branch may heal itself, but if it is severely damaged, the tree wastes energy trying to heal it. Also, insects and diseases may attack the damaged weak spots. Burn these branches right away.

If you are cutting for other reasons, observe the tree carefully through a whole cycle of seasons. This will tell you what branches you can safely cut, and when you should cut them.

If you have planted the tree for its fruit or pods, note where they grow. Are they on the tips of last season's mature wood? Or on the young shoots of this season? Find out, so that you don't cut off the bearing wood.

Remember:

Cut off all dead and damaged branches immediately.
Prune fruit trees in the right season.
Keep the basic shape of the tree when you cut its branches. Use sharp, clean tools.
Cut just above a node.
Cut clear through the branch; don't pull, twist, or tear it off.
Seal the cut surface to protect from insects and diseases.
Give your trees this little bit of extra care and they will reward you with fruit, wood, and leaves for many years.

Just some rambling thoughts this early sleepless morning! I find such comfort and clarity in writing all of this down, and seeing it in print rather than only in my mumble jumbled head. Have a blessed day whenever and wherever this finds you!