Joy Springs Up in the Gardener’s Heart

Joy springs up in the gardener’s heart as warm weather overtakes the winter chill. Anticipation of the growing season for vegetables, fruit and new blooms beckons the gardener outside.

Similarly, the grape grower’s heart fills with joy as tiny volunteer grape vines unexpectedly emerge from the soil. Planted long ago, the new vines are hearty and resilient. But they need diligent nurture and care through the summer growing season and beyond.

More anticipation surfaces after planting nineteen new vines with the help of friends. My hope is that the small twigs will grow in the currently weed free row. The agenda for continued care of the vines is determined commitment.

The vines were planted with the help of friends who participated in a Bible Study on Abiding in the True Vine. A field trip in the vineyard was scheduled, then rescheduled several times due to rain.

John 15 Illustrated

Finally, we assembled in the vineyard on a perfect, sunny day. John 15, “I am the Vine, and you are the branch” is beautifully illustrated before our eyes as we glean a deeper understanding of His lifegiving words.

Further down the vineyard, the untended vines tell a story of their own. Without diligent care and pruning by the viticulturist, they become wild and unmanageable. We see our former selves in the vines that are untamed and fruitless. For it is only through the care of God, the Master Gardener that our branch bears fruit.

When we cooperate with God, and allow Him to care for us, the results are a hope filled journey that gives us a future and a hope. As we surrender to God, He faithfully prunes away all that is counterproductive and often painful in our lives. Once again, we see that His will, not our will, is in our best interest. He patiently guides us and directs our growth through the many seasons of life.

And as we stay connected to Christ, the True Vine, He provides all ours branch needs to produce a harvest of sweet fruit to God’s glory.

Scripture for Today

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NLT).