I have taken a 9-month sabbatical from writing and have missed it terribly. I found myself needing to be filled before I could give. I know it sounds cliché, yet no words would come; no inspiration to offer comforting reminders of who we are and what can be accomplished when we rise to our true identity in Christ. My pen, so to speak, had no ink.
However, during this dry period in my life, I have been enjoying some gardening which is the inspiration for this article. I planted [actually Joe planted] 3 grape vines last spring [2008]. The vines arrived as dry roots and looked absolutely dead. I called the company for replacements before I even planted them because I was so sure they were dead. Not a sign of greenery anywhere on any vine! I was told that once they are planted and cared for, signs of life should appear. As of last week, the vines are not only thriving with lots of green leaves, but one of the vines has clusters of tiny grapes.
So what do my grape vines have to do with inspiration for this article? Almost everything! Until we are planted and cared for, our signs of LIFE tend to be hidden.
- My sabbatical has consisted of a blessed weekend with two women of faith speaking truth over me; leading me by the hand during a time when I felt blind. [Acts 22] Thank you, Stephanie and Diane!
- My sabbatical has allowed me special times with my daughters and young granddaughter, witnessing the beauty of His holiness in their lives.
- My sabbatical allowed me to be ‘tended’ by my husband in very nurturing ways and I have enjoyed watching how my sons-by- marriage have cherished their wives and becoming the men that God intended.
- My sabbatical has allowed me blessings beyond measure and I want to share from that bounty with you.
As I have lovingly nurtured my tiny vineyard, I have been inspired by the stories from John’s writings when Jesus taught His disciples as He walked through the vineyard on His way to Gethsemane. [John 15] As the Master Teacher, Jesus used different forms of teaching tools to demonstrate the importance of relying on God for our every need. I can see Him holding the branches tenderly as He shared that He is the vine and we are the branches. The branches are healthy and nourished as long as they are attached to the vine. I would not do anything to hurt the tender plants in my little vineyard because I am looking forward to the harvest, and so it is with God as the vineyard owner or farmer. His ultimate purpose in us as His children is in the harvest. And how do we accomplish His purpose? By abiding in Him. You see, a healthy branch automatically produces fruit. By staying connected to Christ [as the vine], we reflect Him. By reflecting Jesus, we replicate who He is and what He does. “Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work.” [Colossians 1:10] Fruit equals good works for Him – helping someone else and bringing glory to God. We are only responsible for producing the fruit, as branches, not making it into jam. That is the work of the farmer!
Can you be a positive branch for God? You are every time you have a good attitude during adversity; every time you assist someone in need; every time you speak truth in a dark world. In closing, I challenge you to produce fruit in your own little vineyard…and that will feed your whole community – your circle of influence! Perhaps you would like to share some of your ‘fruit-producing’ techniques?
