The Texas Sage needed a trim badly. She wasn't happy about it - but as I explained to her as I lovingly snipped away, it was for her own good. In just a few weeks she would be much healthier and stronger and producing those beautiful purple-pink flowers I love (and she loves to wear).
I think she looks a bit sulky, but she will just have to trust me on this one. It will all work together for her good.
The little flower garden was next. There was not the loud groaning and complaining from these children. There were so many lifeless limbs, there could be no doubt they had to come off.
I think I heard little sighs of gratitude when I refastened the little gate. All was clean and fresh - ready for new growth.
The whole time I was cutting and carting off dead and discarded branches I thought about the way the Father works in my own life. There are times I know that I desperately need Him to come and do a work in my life. There is only gratitude when the hard work is done and something new is beginning.
There are other times, however, when I think things are going along just fine, thank you very much, and He comes to lovingly prune away the things that are keeping me from becoming all He desires me to be. The process is often times painful as I cling to the familiar and question His ways. He promises me, in these times, that He is working all things together for my good. His love for me is deeper, wider, and higher than my mind can conceive. He asks only that I trust Him.
"Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit."
John 15:2
"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!"
Romans 11:33
Blessings,
Linda
Thank you for writing such precious
ReplyDeletetruth in such as loving and gentle
manner. I enjoyed this so much.
Sandy
Yes, the pruning is sometimes not pleasant to our flesh or our old familiar ways but the end result is so rewarding and enjoyable. Bearing more fruit and revealing more glory makes for a much greater experience in living.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, Linda, you need to write a devotional book. Your postings are so inspirational and uplifting...and full of truth.
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Loretta
thanks for serving up such good food.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts on pruning (o:
ReplyDeleteGod is our amazing Gardener
Yesterday was weather to work outside in. Today is cold and rainy
may be snow soon
Guess I missed my chance to work outside
Loretta said what I have said so many times!!
ReplyDeleteI watch DC do his work on the trees and bushes and am amazed at the good it does in the end. Your words are so right on.
We had two beautiful days, then today is cold and yucky. DC got so much done outside and things are coming up!
Beautiful Linda! You are SO right... it is much easier to hang onto what we are familiar with and comfortable with. But... He knows best... and we must trust that!
ReplyDeleteIt is still to muddy around here, but I can't wait to get out there and so some pruning! :)
~Jennifer
There are times when I feel like that Texas sage -- in need of some serious pruning. Good post, Linda.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda,
ReplyDeleteI love that verse John 15:2.
Everything need to be rejuvenated at times.
I was telling my husband today that now my hair need to pruned. God bless.
This was such a timely post for me to read as we are in the midst of doing some "pruning" in the life of one of our children. As parents, we wonder if the pruning is too much, too little, or if any new growth will appear down the road. But, I will leave that in our loving Father's hands. Thank you for the encouragement, Linda!
ReplyDelete