We had the small flowering tree planted in the front bed about twelve years ago. Its violet colored flowers were small and delicate, short living but faithfully bloomed every summer as it has this season.
It has been a dry summer with hardly any rain to mention. Everything is dry with water bans restrictions, it is hard to adequately supply water to everything.
We discovered on Monday the tree had split causing one of the large branches to break off. The bees were plenteous so I decided to wait till they departed to get the axe, cut it and remove the branch from the bed.
Yesterday the landscaper stopped by and asked if I would like him to take care of it for us. I went outside to show him discuss with the tree with him and warn him of the bees. He explained that due to the lack of sufficient rain, many were finding their trees splitting or uprooting from the ground even.
He pointed out the dryness of the now exposed bark. Although the tree had continued to exhibit life, displaying its blooms as typical, on the inside it was drying out.
Jesus reminds us in John 15:
He is the true vine.
His Father is the gardener.
We are the branches.
I asked the landscaper if it would be possible to tie up and wrap the branch so that perhaps it would graft. He pointed back to the exposed end of the branch and replied it was too dry for it to take. There was no longer life in the branch. Jesus continues to explain,
“He [His Father, the gardener] cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”
Much the way the landscaper observed, cut, and pruned the tree that morning, the same process is at work in our lives. The landscaper removed the dead branch, trimming up the yet healthy branches so that they will continue to blossom. In order to thrive, there had to be in place a life-giving connection to the trunk.
Later on I opened my book to read these words –
“What am I without it [God’s truth] save a dry tree, a useless branch, worthy to be cast away!” (from the book, The Imitation of Christ by
Thomas A Kempis, page 117)
Our lives, apart from Christ, are no better than the branch which had dried up and broken off from the main branch.
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.” “Yes, I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.”
Connection to Jesus is vital in order to live, grow, and thrive. We must stay watered, hydrated by God’s Word, so His Life is flowing through every part of our being.
He intends for our lives to be productive.
To bear fruit.
Much fruit.
“This brings great glory to my Father.”
Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thursday and Grace Moments .
I love this, Joanne! My son is spending his summer working his very first job ever. This is technically his final week of full-time working. He will miss the paychecks, I am sure, but he is looking forward to his final year of high school and Cross Country. However, he has had the privilege of learning this craft of landscaping and each night he comes home with stories like yours. I can see so much of the lessons, like you saw, while he shares his stories.
I loved this little reminder to abide.
Blessings to you!
Dawn
What a wonderful opportunity for your son in so many ways! It is amazing the observations and applications which came to me as I saw my tree.
May your son have a wonderful school year as he navigates the many decisions and choices of a HS senior!
What a fantastic lesson from God’s own creation! Thank you for sharing that vital truth.
Blessings,
Patti
Joanne, my “moniker” used to be A PRUNED BRANCH. I wrote under that name in the 90’s when my friend and I published and mailed a monthly newsletter to over 200 women. My first devotional of 365 devo’s is called A PRUNED BRANCH – because I have been under the loving care of God’s pruning shears. Every trimming, snipping, watering, to get me to flourish in HIM. I love the scriptures you used and the analogy of your poor, dry flowering tree!
Susan, having seen your cukes this week 🙂 , I can now see how your moniker was perfect for you. I am continually amazed at the way in which God does not waste a single opportunity to provide practical lessons for us to grow more deeply in Him.
” We must stay watered, hydrated by God’s Word, so His Life is flowing through every part of our being.” Amen!
I love it when everyday life becomes an object lesson! Thanks for sharing Joanne!
Everyday life with object lessons is how I learn best! Truly. They seem to stick 🙂