Pruning

               This weekend was the first time since my diagnosis that I have felt up to doing some work in our flower bed.  Our crepe Myrtle’s were looking pretty bad. After all, they hadn’t been pruned in over two years. The weather here was spectacular on Sunday, so I got up early (when my energy level is at its best), got the pruning sheers and went to work.

               What a chore. There were hundreds of tiny branches sprouting all up and down the trunks as well as several larger ones growing at odd angles and from places lower on the trunk that needed to come off.  Our HOA limits the height our trees can be, to prevent clogging the gutters on the roof. Our middle Myrt was taller than the roof line and needed to be cut down. Additionally, the Myrt closest to the house has to be at least 12 inches from the foundation. Several branches needed to come off to accomplish this.  Finally there was the task of gathering the branches to dispose of them. I should have worn gloves. My hands and forearms look like I lost the battle, but I didn’t. 

               When all was said and done, I was very pleased with the work I had done. And, I know the work I have done will help to keep them healthy and blooming for seasons to come.  As I stood there, looking at my handiwork, I was reminded of the scripture in John:

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:1-2

               God has been pruning me through this journey. He has removed all the small branches that are so easily distracting. They aren’t bad things, but things that distract me from my purpose.  When you are sequestered for weeks on end, you have plenty of time to think about what’s important in your life. Loving the people God has put in your life, finding forgiveness for them and for yourself, and being thankful for every moment – the good ones and the bad ones alike.

And then there are the bigger branches, the ones that grow along the trunk unnecessarily, drawing sap from the branches that need to grow stronger. Some of those hurt, I’m not going to lie. I’ve always done what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. I don’t have a spouse I have to consider. I make my own money. But, over the years, there have been things that have taken root in my soul that needed to be gone – pride, the need to be right, the desire to be the expert at anything I do. You know the kinds of things I’m talking about.

Even this blog is a part of my pruning – being honest about my struggles is hard. It’s wrapped up in my desire to not harm the cause of Christ – which, in itself, is a worthy goal. But when that goal turns into checking every few minutes to see if anyone has read or liked the blog, then it is not serving its purpose. Not in me, at least. My sincere prayer is that the blog reaches someone who needs encouragement. That’s the branch I hope bears fruit.