Listen

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vineyard keeper.

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch can’t produce fruit by itself, but must remain in the vine. Likewise, you can’t produce fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything.”

John 15:1, 4-5

Think

Growing up, there was a plum tree in my backyard. For many years, it was just a tree that provided some light shade for our garden. But after a few years, the plum tree started producing plums! The next year, it produced double!

My mom tried to make plum cobbler (not good), plum jelly (it was okay), plum jam (never again, please). We enjoyed the fresh fruit throughout the summer.

That tree received the nutrients from the rich soil by the surrounding garden, fertilizer, and summer sun. And yet, it still took 5-6 years to produce anything that even resembled fruit!

It feels like some seasons in our faith look like a plum tree’s life. Some seasons we’re taking in spiritual nourishment, but we don’t see much “fruit” in our life – no big leaps, no significant changes, nothing to report other than we “keep on keepin’ on.” Hang in there. Stay connected to the Vine. From this central place of nourishment, you are loved, you are sustained, you are preparing to do something big.

Molly Shoulta Tucker

Pray

Sustaining God, hold me close to your love even when I feel stagnant or stunted, even when I can’t sense my own growth. Instill patience in my heart as I wait for the fruit of my faith. Amen.

Go

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure —
The saints’ and angels’ song!

from “The Love of God” by Frederick Martin Lehman (1917)