John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
A few years ago, an ice storm hit the trees near my parents’ house. The trees stood jagged and broken in a million directions. The scene looked like someone had played “pick up sticks” with the trees and left the trees in a state of disarray.
The next spring, the warm weather brought new growth. Some branches appeared to still be connected, but they lacked the connection to sustain growth. Other branches appeared strong until they added the additional weight of the budding leaves and snapped. Other branches appeared dead, but they had enough of the sap running through them to sustain new growth. From the dry barrenness, their strong connection brought forth beautiful life.
May it be so for us — may we stay connected closely to the One who gives us life — even during the barren times. From this connection, may we remain strong and bear fruit.
Father God, we search for you and long for this deep connection. Please keep us close to you and allow your life to flow through us. Amen.