Plant and Rooted
A Pruning Season.
I recently became one of “those people”, a lady who has to limit purchasing plants. For the longest time, I killed plants, every single one. But something changed over the last year. I started naming them and began researching what they needed to survive- their pH, type of soil, watering schedule, and how close they needed to be to the window or how much sunlight they needed. With this recent California cold weather, I needed to do some pruning. I began pulling and removing the old dying and dried-out leaves from my hanging pothos. It made it look more beautiful to remove what was dead or ugly.
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. -John 15:2
I had this moment as I was pruning and thinking of the new year, that this is what life is like - this is what God does in our lives or asks us to do. Moments where we stop to be still and analyze what needs to be removed. What clothes from the closet need to be purged, what friendships or relationships do I need to stop pursuing (my hardest lesson), and what areas do I need to make space for not just healing but blossoming?
As I cleared each leaf that had died off, it allowed the plant to look fully green again and the focus became the vibrancy and not what was brown and dead. I’ve already begun to see new life sprouting because I made room.
I think with each new month, quarter, or year, we have the opportunity to analyze our lives with God and ask: what needs to be removed or cut back? Where do I need to be better planted- in community, in serving, or maybe I need a season of rest to prepare for the spring or summer bloom? Where do I need more sunshine- laughter, friendships, fun? Are there areas in my life where I need to adjust the amount of water or soil- better eating, a more or less active lifestyle, a change of home or scenery?
For me, this new year came with a move. Cleaning and purging items, making space for less, but making room for more rest and peace. Last year, I pruned back heartache and heartbreak to make room for new friendships and relationships. May we see that pruning doesn’t always have to be painful, but as an opportunity to blossom into the next season or chapter. As long as we stay connected to God in scripture, prayer, and community, we can weather every season change.