Dear soul-sister Sheri recently shared the post HERE regarding pruning (written by Brenda Miller Emmons, a high school classmate of hers.) In it Brenda quotes Beth Moore:
“Pruning season occurs primarily during the winter months…The vinedresser typically pulls out his shears just before bud break…The branch is very much alive and never more poised for fruitfulness than in the wake of winter. We know how the grapevine feels…You can taste the breakthrough…But just before it comes to fruition – faith made sight – your breakthrough ends up looking suspiciously more like a breakdown.” Chasing Vines, Beth Moore, p. 148-149.
WHEW.
While a previous DP entry (HERE) shared encouragement for us doing proactive pruning on our lives, Brenda’s posting brings front-and-center the frequently undesired pruning: “…your breakthrough ends up looking suspiciously more like a breakdown.”
In certain seasons of life it can be easy to endure undesired prunings. The sun is shining, other new growth abounds and the days are warm.
At other times … NOT SO MUCH!
For those gardeners among us, you’ve likely almost given up on a plant because it went through a post-pruning “growing season” without a trace of green. Yet, a season or two later it’s showing growth again.
When we think about the grief journey after an unexpected pruning, that’s the grace we need to give ourselves and others. New growth will not necessarily show itself immediately, instead requiring a fair amount of water, sun and fallow time before being fully ready to share new, unpracticed blooms.
What unwanted pruning has happened recently to someone you love?
What sunshine, water, fertilizer and/or other care can you provide to that someone? Maybe a card, call, text, personal visit, prayer or ???
May Spirit stir this day, igniting joy and satisfaction in the journey – in spite of unwanted prunings…
Lectionary Texts for Sunday, February 16, 2025:
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POTENTIAL ACTIONS – FOOD INSECURITY: This season will likely find increasing numbers of folks looking for food, presenting opportunities to
- share financial and/or food offerings with a local food pantry
- check with your faith community about upcoming opportunities to feed community members
- volunteer to help with a local mobile food pantry or community dinner
- find a Little Pantry in your area and help stock it with shelf-stable food items
- accept a Call to Action item from Season of Peace devotional posting
NOTE: for those in the Cinci region, some food organizations are listed HERE
DISCIPLE PLAYBOOK HUMOR – click HERE for MORE humor, updated periodically. Included now is a grin-inducing New Bible Reading Plan (Pearls Before Swine)
STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!
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