Trimming Grapes

Yesterday as I was trimming the grapes, I actually had time to think!  The little ones were napping inside, the middle boys were busy raking the grass, and the rest of the children were busy elsewhere.  As I was hacking away at the grapevines, my thoughts turned to how God's work in my life is so much like pruning.  My heart must many times look just like the those grapevines do.  There have been times when there are no signs of life, no beautiful green leaves, no hint of any luscious fruit which will bring delight to those who partake.  The vines are ugly, brown, bare and void of any new life.  But with some pruning, sunshine, rain, and most importantly-a connection to the vine, life will spring from these barren vines.  Even so, when I am connected to the vine, the Master Gardener will prune me and the fruit will follow. 

And now it is time to go finish the job of trimming the grapes.  Maybe tomorrow it will be dry enough to plant some spring lettuce and radishes.

Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches:  He that abideth in my, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing."  John 15:4-5