Spring is a busy time in the garden. There is so much to be done.
Before we can even attempt to think of new growth, we have to
prepare the ground by weeding, and there is cutting back – pruning
to be done. It is only by thinning out the shrubs and getting rid of
those invasive weeds that seem to come back year after year that we can make
room for the new annual seedlings. Pruning is such a violent thing to do to a
plant. Reducing it to a fraction of itself, cutting off seemingly healthy branches.
But after a month or so, once the new growth starts, what a difference it makes.
The plant is stronger and healthier than ever. Sometimes we have to do a little
pruning in our own lives and it’s not always a pleasant experience. We are all a
bit reluctant to cut back the familiar and embark on new growth in a different
direction. But we do all need to unclog our lives, remove the weeds, if you like,
and do the occasional pruning, to reassess where God is leading us. Jesus said: “I
am the real vine and my father is the gardener. He breaks off every branch in me
that does not bear fruit and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that
it will be clean and bear more fruit.” (John 15 vs 1-2) Regular pruning of the
roses is an easy task compared to the one of looking again at our own lives for
the weeds and straggling branches.

A Prayer

Lord,I do want to grow into a more whole and
useful person for you.
I know that some of that will happen as I develop
under the influence of your Holy Spirit,
and I thank you for that.
Help me also to be ready for those places where
things need to be pruned from my life , taken away
because they are a hindrance to my growth,
or because I no longer need them.
Then let me grow even more strongly for you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Colin