When we arrived to our new home in July the garden was in full bloom. One of its main features are 4 vines, carefully trained over an arbour like trellis. Vigorous green stems formed a shady roof and in-between them streams of light and warmth created a cosy space. We ate breakfast there on many mornings, drinking in the day. We enjoyed coffee, evening meals and time with friends inspired and rested, under this natural canopy. Last weekend it was time to prune the vines.

 

Jesus: “I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. 2 My Father examines every branch in Me and cuts away those who do not bear fruit. He leaves those bearing fruit and carefully prunes them so that they will bear more fruit; 3 already you are clean because you have heard My voice. 4 Abide in Me, and I will abide in you. A branch cannot bear fruit if it is disconnected from the vine, and neither will you if you are not connected to Me. 5 I  am the vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear great fruit. Without Me, you will accomplish nothing.” John 15:1-5

 
The fruit and branches pruned, leave the once cosy space more exposed to the autumn sun’s light and warmth.  What really strikes me though is the Vine itself, its hidden structure is now revealed and with that the ‘ties’ that guided and secured it.
Its only in this pruned condition that we really ‘see the vine’ the root steeped in rich soil, sustaining a labyrinth of strong branches each one in turn sustaining abundant grapes hanging from their vines, ripening in the sun.  Jesus paints this picture into our imaginations – one that is bustling with fruit, sustenance and satisfying aromas.  This is Kingdom life.  It is all about connection of sustenance and beauty.  
Yesterday I went for a walk with a new friend and as we shared our lives she asked me about my work.  I talked about my season in transition.  How for many months have been about surrender to God’s pruning, even up-rooting; roles, ministry, our family home and city, the way of life I’d known for more than twenty years.  All I have known is no more and I wait, anticipating, full of hope as new rhythms, new opportunities, a new season of life emerges.
As I talked about that I felt excited as I realised the privilege of this process.  When all the branches, leaves, and fruit are carefully pruned and stripped bear, I see Jesus even more clearly.  I’ve seen and encountered him  as my true source and sustenance in a deeper way.  He has strengthened my connection with Him, that is my Identity ‘in Him’  Without busy schedules, or simply not knowing many people in a new place, I have spent more time abiding and experienced his companionship in simple daily life.  I’ve had precious encounters time upon time, meeting Him as the living word infusing above all a profound sense of trust.  I’m meditating on who He is through different creative mediums and that too leads me to experience the riches of his love.  I simply love walking with him in worship, soaking in him as truth.  I see him through every day images captivated by his beauty as Creator reflected in the beauty around me.  Such connection is literally life giving.
In abiding there is also conversely dying to self; those places within where ‘I’ have cultivated connection and sustenance. In the clarity of ‘seeing the vine’ and the absence of those branches that are simply ‘suckers’ which divert energy and vision, purpose and life away from knowing him. There are questions and feelings of insecurity, times when I actively pursue things to meet legitimate needs myself.   The great thing is I’m recognising those things for what they are and in the abiding it is easier to come back to His care and comfort and allow Him to meet my needs.
When it comes to gardening we know that plants need to be pruned in order to become fruitful.  Yet in our lives we don’t see it as clearly or as often.
Can you identify with any of the following statements I’ve made based on my experience of God’s pruning work in my life?
  • Father God’s pruning work in our hearts can feel uncomfortable, and scary.  
  • Often we fight his essential work especially when it comes through the lens of painful circumstances. 
  • We direct our energy to forge a way through the external challenges to restore our need for peace and well-being rather than embracing it as a catalyst for change and inner transformation.  
  • There is confusion as we try to discern and gain understanding over what is happening.   
  • A season of pruning  stirs us to ask questions about our habits, roles, relationships or beliefs and re-evaluate what is important to us. 
  • Pruning is a strenuous and active time where roots and core are being strengthened and resourced for a new season of fruitfulness.
Does this resonate with you?  Are you experiencing a season of pruning?  I’d love to hear from you and welcome any questions or comments you want to bring.

Posted in Creative Pathways, Heart to Heart, Pursuing Intimacy With God