Pruning

 

I’m a landscapers wife , so it’s easy for The Lord to use metaphors about nature with me. In fact I prefer for Him to speak to me in a way that’s indirect. I want to go deeper with Him and hear him in the midst of whatever situation is thrown my way.

 

Right before I met my husband , Matt ….The Lord gave me a specific verse about my life. I had just gotten out of a verbally abusive , and manipulative relationship with an older guy . At a youth retreat he gave me one of my favorite verses:

 

Ecclesiastes 3:2

 

A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to uproot

 

A few short weeks later, I met my husband. It was my time for the old me to die, and for me to come into who I really was. I was under that rebellious spirit for that season. But seasons don’t last. If you look into that chapter further , it should awaken your thoughts on life. It should give you hope.

 

A time to kill and a time to heal
A time to break down and a time to build up
A time to weep and a time to laugh
A time to grieve and a time to dance
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them
A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing
A time to search and a time to give up
A time to keep and a time to throw away

 

To really flourish in the next season, a tree needs to be pruned. A bush needs to be trimmed. For a while the plant may seem lifeless and some what of an eye sore. If we can focus on the outcome , the beautiful fruit and eye catching blooms , it’s easier to get through the season of pruning. I’ve been asking Jesus to guard my heart and my mind in this tough season of my life. I believe he is taking me out of disappointments and disbelief , and into joy and peace in the midst of my circumstances. You see, I know he is a good Daddy. His plans for me and my family are good. They’re better than good.

 

Sometimes pruning hurts your limbs you feel you need. A car. A house. A job. Pruning hurts your pride, and brings you to your knees. You are not alone in this pruning season. Jesus is right along side you. He is speaking . He is loving .

 

Pruning for the next season of greatness is necessary. How can we be prepared for what lies ahead if we aren’t stripped of dead and lifeless junk ? If we don’t trust him fully.

 

I’m learning that saving my pride is worthless. We all fall short . We all make mistakes.