I Am the True Vine

La Rioja has a lot of vineyards. They're everywhere. So let's get back to Jesus's claim that I am the true vine. I love this part about life in Jesus who doesn't want good things in their life, but the part I'm a little less in love with is the fact that God, the father, is the vine dresser, the one who goes around pruning the vines, deciding which parts need to be cut, and which parts need to be thrown away so that really good fruit is produced. Can I see fruit in my life without the pain that goes with pruning? Answer is, of course, no. In order to grow quality fruit, we need to get rid of the non-essential stuff. Athletes submit themselves to this principle focusing on training and eliminating that which is a hindrance to their success, and so it is with life. If I want to produce good fruit, I have to be willing to see the unhelpful, hurtful ways of me cut off so that I can bear good fruit. But how do I know which parts to get rid of? Thankfully, it's not up to you or me. A good and loving father is the master vine dresser. He knows exactly where to do the cutting so that I am healthy and thriving. Lord, it is a new day. The day is for hope. Let me abide in the vine of God that I might know life. May my fears of the unknown melt away in the goodness of your skillful care. May my joy be made complete in knowing you. Let me delight in what you take away that I might know. New melodies, new memories, new life. Amen.